Product Development Engineer

Mecad Systems; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecad Systems in Durban is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead product development from concept to production. You will optimize costs and collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing changes or regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in thermodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes, with excellent communication and project management skills for cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc/BTech in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• CAD and SolidWorks proficiency preferred.
• High level of computer literacy and familiarity with manufacturing tech.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from start to finish.
• Optimize product cost and improve quality with suppliers.
• Communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Evaluate new materials and supplier options.
• Manage Engineering Change Process.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Conduct FMEA and address issues.
• Develop test methods and perform product testing.
• Approve ISIRs and perform benchmarking.
• Oversee thermodynamics test lab and analyse results.
• Support production with product/process/quality issues.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory specs (ISO 9001, etc.).
• Assist with LOA application processes.

Skills

Product design

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Cost optimization

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Thermodynamics knowledge

Materials science

Manufacturing processes

FMEA

Regulatory awareness

Education

BSc/BTech/BEng Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Purpose of the job:

Design, development, and optimization of systems and components to achieve company objectives.

Educational Requirements:

• BSc/BTech/BEng Mechanical Engineering
• CAD, SolidWorks is an advantage
• High level of computer literacy
• Experience with refrigeration cooling systems is an advantage

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in Product Design and Development
• Experience in Project Management
• Design for manufacturing principles
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Cost based approach
• Apply known problem-solving techniques
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)
• Refrigeration background or an understanding of thermodynamics is an advantage
• Experience with materials science and manufacturing processes

Responsibilities:

• Lead product development projects from start to finish for new and existing products
• Optimise product cost and improve the product quality both internally and in conjunction with external suppliers
• Communicate project status and technical updates to stakeholders and management
• Perform evaluations of new materials and suppliers
• Management of the Engineering Change Process
• Lead projects with multidisciplinary teams
• Conduct FMEA studies and address issues raised
• Develop test methods and perform product testing for approval
• Perform and approve initial sample inspection reports (ISIR)
• Conduct benchmarking studies
• Oversee the thermodynamic test laboratory
• Interpret thermodynamics test results and provide solutions for improvement
• Provide support to production with product/process/quality/equipment related issues
• Keep abreast of regulatory specifications and ensure product compliance
• Perform and support the Letter of Authority application process
• Familiarity with the following standards is an advantage: ISO 9001, ISO 17025, SANS/IEC 62552, 60335-1 & 60335-2-24

Safety Health and Environment:

• Works safely according to safety policies, standards and laws
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Always ensure a clean and organised work environment

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Building and maintaining relationships
• Interpersonal skills & communication
• Team player
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Drive for results
• Planning, organising & control
• Decision making
• Quality orientation
• Respect
• Safety awareness
• Safety leadership
• Work standards
• Emotional intelligence