Senior Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established, innovation-driven manufacturer is seeking a Director of Design Engineering to oversee design, project engineering, and test lab operations. This leadership role demands a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in hydraulic system design and mechanical product development. You will shape the engineering direction by managing teams focused on mission-critical applications where precision and reliability are key.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in hydraulic system design and mechanical product development.
• Proven track record in conceptual design, prototyping, and full lifecycle development.
• Strong leadership experience overseeing cross-functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all activities within the Design Engineering, Project Engineering, and Test Lab departments.
• Translate organizational goals into department objectives and deploy resources accordingly.
• Review and approve all new product designs to ensure compliance with industry standards and company goals.

Skills

Leadership

Hydraulic system design

Mechanical product development

Conceptual design

Prototyping

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionA confidential industry leader in precision-engineered fluid control systems is seeking a Director of Design Engineering to oversee its design, project engineering, and test lab operations. This is a key leadership role reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, responsible for driving innovation, managing teams, and ensuring technical excellence across new product development.Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all activities within the Design Engineering, Project Engineering, and Test Lab departments.

• Translate organizational goals into department objectives and deploy resources accordingly.

• Review and approve all new product designs to ensure compliance with industry standards and company goals.

• Implement systems, procedures, and tools to optimize engineering workflows and technical outcomes.

• Prepare performance evaluations for engineering section heads and support career development.

• Oversee staffing plans, hiring needs, and capital expenditure requests.

• Participate in strategic bid/no-bid decision meetings for new programs

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; Master’s degree

• 10+ years of experience in hydraulic system design and mechanical product development

• Proven track record in conceptual design, prototyping, and full lifecycle development

• Strong leadership experience overseeing cross-functional engineering teams

• Experience in high-precision, highly regulated manufacturing environments

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds

• Comfortable working in both office and shop floor environments

• Exposure to noise, dust, and mechanical equipment when supporting lab operations

Why This Role?

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the engineering direction of a well-established, innovation-driven manufacturer. You’ll lead a team responsible for designing products used in mission-critical applications, where precision, performance, and reliability are paramount.