Mechanical Engineer - Product Development & Testing

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Provident fund

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to lead product development from concept through testing and validation. You will design new equipment, improve existing designs, and ensure high performance and reliability.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CAD experience (SolidWorks or Inventor), strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, and a collaborative approach to creating robust, manufacturable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles and materials science.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and systems for specialized equipment using CAD software.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications, and manufacturing/assembly documentation.
• Plan and execute mechanical testing procedures (functional, performance, environmental).
• Analyze test data, identify design flaws, and implement modifications to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability and quality.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and testing phases.
• Research new materials and components to enhance design and functionality.
• Assist in preparing technical proposals and reports.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations in Stellenbosch.

Skills

CAD software

Testing procedures

Teamwork

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic manufacturer of specialized equipment, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join their product development team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is focused on the entire lifecycle of product development, from initial concept through to rigorous testing and validation. You will be involved in designing new products, improving existing ones, and ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and quality standards. The ideal candidate has a strong practical understanding of mechanical systems, experience with CAD and testing methodologies, and a passion for bringing innovative products to market. Working within our client's facility in Stellenbosch, you will contribute to the creation of high-performance mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new mechanical components and systems for specialized equipment using CAD software.
• Create detailed technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for manufacturing and assembly.
• Plan and execute mechanical testing procedures, including functional, performance, and environmental testing.
• Analyze test data, identify design flaws, and implement necessary modifications to improve product performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to ensure design for manufacturability and quality.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during product development and testing phases.
• Research new materials, components, and technologies to enhance product design and functionality.
• Assist in the preparation of technical proposals and reports.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations in Stellenbosch.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Experience in planning and conducting mechanical testing and analysis of results.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, including statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, health insurance, a provident fund, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Employees will gain valuable experience in product development within a reputable manufacturing company located in Stellenbosch.
• This position includes paid annual leave and other standard employee benefits.