Product Development Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

PTO & holidays

Hybrid work model

Professional growth

Modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Product Development Engineer for a hybrid role in Klerksdorp to drive design, development, and improvement of industrial machinery across the product lifecycle. You will translate market needs into high-performance systems, collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service teams.

The ideal candidate has a Mechanical Engineering degree and 5+ years in product development, with strong CAD/CAE skills and a hands-on approach to prototyping and testing in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in product development or mechanical design, preferably in industrial machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Experience with CAE tools for simulation and analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, fabrication, assembly).
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and control systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of new industrial machinery and equipment.
• Develop detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for components and systems.
• Perform engineering analysis (stress, thermal, kinematic) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of new designs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues throughout the development cycle.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement and cost reduction.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Skills

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking an innovative Product Development Engineer to join their hybrid team based in Klerksdorp . This role is pivotal in driving the design, development, and improvement of their extensive product line. You will be instrumental in translating market needs and customer feedback into robust, high-performance machinery. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical design, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and a keen eye for product innovation. You will work across the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and series production support. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service teams to ensure product success and customer satisfaction. We are looking for a self-starter who can manage multiple projects, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is committed to delivering exceptional engineering solutions. The Klerksdorp location offers a strong industrial base and excellent connectivity, while the hybrid model provides the best of both worlds: focused independent work and essential team collaboration and hands‑on activities in the facility. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of industrial equipment and contribute to the company's continued growth and technological advancement. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining our client's competitive edge in a demanding market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of new industrial machinery and equipment.
• Develop detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications for components and systems.
• Perform engineering analysis (e.g., stress, thermal, kinematic) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for efficient production.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of new product designs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues throughout the product development cycle.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement and cost reduction.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.
• Conduct technical documentation and support sales and service teams with product information.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in industrial machinery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in product development or mechanical design, preferably in industrial machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Experience with CAE tools for simulation and analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, fabrication, assembly).
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and control systems is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage projects and work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.
• Hybrid work arrangement for work-life balance.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Access to modern manufacturing and testing facilities.