Mechanical Systems Development Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Advanced training

State-of-the-art lab

Annual bonuses

R&D environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Systems Development Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to lead the full lifecycle of high‑precision mechanical systems. You will design, prototype, test, and refine components for advanced instrumentation, collaborating with electronics, software, and optical engineers.

A strong background in mechanical design, mechatronics, and CAD (SolidWorks or Inventor) is essential, along with tolerance, stress, and thermal analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development for precision systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and 2D drafting.
• Experience with engineering simulation tools (FEA for stress and thermal analysis).
• Understanding of mechatronics and integration of mechanical, electronic, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for precision instruments using CAD.
• Conduct tolerance, stress, and thermal performance analyses.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for high-precision applications.
• Build and test prototypes; analyze performance data and iterate to meet specs.
• Collaborate with electronics, software, and optical engineers to integrate systems.
• Develop design documentation: drawings, BOMs, and technical reports.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues in development and manufacturing.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance performance.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and quality requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design

Mechatronics

3D CAD

FEM analysis

Thermal analysis

Prototyping

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading firm in the precision instrumentation and control systems sector, is seeking a talented Mechanical Systems Development Engineer to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role involves the full lifecycle development of complex mechanical systems for high-precision instruments. You will be responsible for conceptual design, detailed engineering, prototyping, testing, and refinement, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical design principles, mechatronics, and experience with precision engineering challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative technologies and work within a research-intensive environment in the heart of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for precision instruments and control applications using CAD software.
• Conduct detailed analysis, including tolerance analysis, stress calculations, and thermal performance assessments.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes suitable for high-precision applications.
• Build and test prototypes, analyze performance data, and iterate on designs to meet specifications.
• Collaborate with electronics engineers, software developers, and optical engineers to integrate mechanical systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, BOMs, and technical reports.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during development and manufacturing.
• Research and implement new technologies and methodologies to enhance product performance and efficiency.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and quality requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development, with a focus on precision systems or instrumentation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and 2D drafting.
• Experience with engineering simulation tools (e.g., FEA for stress and thermal analysis).
• Understanding of mechatronics principles and integration of mechanical, electronic, and control systems.
• Familiarity with precision manufacturing techniques and material properties.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for effective teamwork.
• Experience working in an R&D or product development environment is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work on-site in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional growth.
• Work on groundbreaking technologies in a stimulating academic and industrial hub.
• Collaborative team environment with leading experts.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and testing facilities.