Product Development Engineer - Mechanical

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Generous vacation time

Career growth opportunities

Modern facility in Mossel Bay

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer with a strong mechanical background to drive new products from concept to market. You will lead mechanical design, create 3D models, and validate concepts, collaborating with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and aesthetic appeal.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, at least six years in product development,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in product development with focus on mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360.
• Experience with injection molding, metal stamping, CNC machining.
• Strong material selection knowledge for consumer products.
• Ability to manage cross-functional projects and meet launch timelines.
• Excellent problem-solving and verbal/written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development from concept to mass production.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools.
• Perform tolerance analysis and mechanical validation testing.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to refine aesthetics and ergonomics.
• Coordinate with electrical engineers to integrate components and manage thermal.
• Oversee prototypes, testing, and design iterations.
• Engage manufacturing partners to ensure DFM and cost-effectiveness.
• Support product launches with technical production support.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Moldflow

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic innovator in consumer electronics and durable goods, is seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer with a strong mechanical background to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is central to bringing new products from concept to market, focusing on the mechanical design, prototyping, and validation phases. You will work closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and supply chain teams to ensure products are not only functional and reliable but also manufacturable and aesthetically pleasing. The ideal candidate possesses a creative mindset, a rigorous approach to design validation, and excellent communication skills to navigate the cross-functional demands of product development. This is an opportunity to shape the future of innovative products and contribute significantly to the company's success in the competitive global market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new products from concept through to mass production.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, stress testing, and other mechanical validation methods.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to refine product aesthetics and ergonomics while maintaining mechanical integrity.
• Work with electrical engineering teams to integrate electronic components and manage thermal considerations.
• Oversee prototype builds and manage testing procedures, documenting results and implementing design iterations.
• Liaise with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost-effectiveness.
• Support product launch activities and provide technical assistance for production issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in product development, with a strong emphasis on mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software is essential; experience with Moldflow or similar simulation tools is advantageous.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, metal stamping, CNC machining).
• Strong understanding of material selection for consumer products.
• Proven ability to manage projects, work cross-functionally, and meet product launch timelines.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous vacation and holiday time.
• Opportunities for career growth and skill development.
• Access to advanced product development tools and a modern facility.
• Be part of a company that values innovation and employee well-being in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Contribute to products used by consumers worldwide.