Product Development Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 720,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work flexibility

Professional growth opportunities

Access to modern facilities

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a creative and results‑oriented Product Development Mechanical Engineer to join a cross‑functional team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will drive the full product lifecycle from ideation through prototyping to production launch, focusing on electro‑mechanical products and user‑centric reliability.

Work in a hybrid setting with designers, electrical engineers and software developers to deliver innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3-7 years of mechanical product development experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and PDM systems.
• Experience with FEA/CFD simulation is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication for hybrid teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical components and systems for consumer and industrial products.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Conduct performance simulations and analyses, including FEA and thermal analysis, to validate designs.
• Build and test prototypes, iterating on designs based on test results and feedback.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams throughout the product development process.
• Oversee Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) efforts.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist in the transition of designs from R&D to manufacturing, supporting production engineers.
• Document designs, test results, and project progress thoroughly.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends relevant to product development.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

CFD

Manufacturing processes

Prototyping

PDM systems

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

PDM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a creative and results-oriented Product Development Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative team. This role operates on a hybrid model, offering a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and conceptual design through to prototyping, testing, and final production launch. The focus will be on developing new electro-mechanical products and improving existing ones, ensuring they meet high standards of performance, reliability, and user experience. You'll work closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and software developers to bring cutting-edge solutions to market. This position is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA , and requires an individual who is adept at problem-solving and thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional environment. We are looking for someone passionate about innovation and bringing tangible products to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical components and systems for consumer and industrial products.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Conduct performance simulations and analyses, including FEA and thermal analysis, to validate designs.
• Build and test prototypes, iterating on designs based on test results and feedback.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams throughout the product development process.
• Oversee Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) efforts.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist in the transition of designs from R&D to manufacturing, supporting production engineers.
• Document designs, test results, and project progress thoroughly.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends relevant to product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in mechanical product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and PDM systems.
• Experience with simulation tools (FEA, CFD) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (injection molding, machining, stamping).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting.
• Experience with prototyping and testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with project management tools and principles.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to changing project priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off.
• Hybrid work flexibility for better work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.
• Exposure to diverse product development projects.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Access to modern design and testing facilities.