Product Development Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng. You will drive the complete product lifecycle from concept to manufacturing liaison, designing mechanical components and assemblies for consumer electronics.

The role requires 3-5 years in product development, strong CAD/FEA skills, and hands-on prototyping experience. You will collaborate with design, marketing, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of product development experience in consumer electronics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and basic FEA.
• Experience with prototyping methods and testing equipment.
• Understanding of electronics materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for new consumer electronic products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and tolerance analyses.
• Build and test prototypes, validating designs through rigorous testing procedures.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to meet aesthetics while maintaining design integrity.
• Work with manufacturing partners to optimize for mass production (DFM).
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement solutions throughout development.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and design review presentations.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and materials relevant to consumer electronics.
• Ensure compliance with relevant product safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Product development

Mechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA

3D Printing

CNC Machining

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic innovator in consumer electronics, seeking a creative and skilled Product Development Engineer to join their team in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This role is central to bringing new and exciting products from concept to market. You will be involved in the entire product lifecycle, from initial design and prototyping through to testing, validation, and manufacturing liaison. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, hands-on experience with product design and development tools, and a keen eye for detail and user experience. We are looking for a proactive individual who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including design, marketing, and manufacturing. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment on cutting-edge products, contributing directly to the company’s success and innovation. Join us in shaping the future of consumer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for new consumer electronic products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and tolerance analyses, to ensure product performance and reliability.
• Build and test prototypes, validating designs through rigorous testing procedures.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers to ensure aesthetic requirements are met while maintaining design integrity.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for mass production (DFM).
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement solutions throughout the development process.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and design review presentations.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and materials relevant to consumer electronics.
• Ensure compliance with relevant product safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in product development and mechanical design, specifically within the consumer electronics industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and basic FEA tools.
• Experience with prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining) and testing equipment.
• Understanding of materials commonly used in consumer electronics (plastics, metals).
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for electronics (e.g., injection molding, SMT).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• A passion for technology and innovative product design.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund.