Product Development Engineer - Mechanical

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

On-site training

Tech access

Durban location

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Product Development Engineer with a strong mechanical background to drive new products from concept to market on-site. You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and QA to design, test, validate and support production, applying hands-on prototyping and CAD/FEA skills.

This role requires hands-on problem-solving, a systematic approach, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to bring innovative products to life.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in product development and mechanical design.
• Hands-on prototype testing and validation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and basic FEA knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize mechanical components and systems for new product introductions.
• Conduct rigorous performance, durability, and environmental testing of prototypes and production units.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to define production processes, tooling requirements, and quality control measures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues identified during development, testing, or early production phases.
• Document all design decisions, test results, and lessons learned throughout the product development cycle.

Skills

3D CAD

Prototype testing

Analytical skills

FEA basics

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Product Development Engineer with a strong mechanical background to join their team in Durban . This is a critical on-site role focused on bringing new mechanical products from concept to market. You will be deeply involved in the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation and design through to testing, validation, and production support. The ideal candidate is hands-on, possesses excellent problem-solving skills, and is eager to contribute to a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure the successful launch of innovative products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize mechanical components and systems for new product introductions.
• Conduct rigorous performance, durability, and environmental testing of prototypes and production units.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to define production processes, tooling requirements, and quality control measures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues identified during development, testing, or early production phases.
• Document all design decisions, test results, and lessons learned throughout the product development cycle.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience in product development and mechanical design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks) and basic knowledge of FEA.
• Understanding of various manufacturing techniques, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, and plastic molding.
• Ability to perform hands-on prototype testing and validation.
• Excellent analytical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• On-site training programs and access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Prime location in Durban with easy access to transport links.
• A culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.