Senior Design Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Design Engineer to lead the design and development of industrial machinery from concept to production. The role requires a strong mechanical engineering foundation, expertise in 3D CAD (Inventor/SolidWorks) and simulations (ANSYS), and proven project leadership.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with manufacturing, and drive design for manufacturability while staying abreast of new materials and technologies to improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in mechanical design for industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Solid understanding of fabrication, machining, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software (Inventor, SolidWorks).
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations to ensure structural integrity.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production and assembly.
• Oversee prototypes, testing, and documentation; mentor junior engineers.
• Manage design timelines and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

BEng/BSc Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery for the agricultural and food processing sectors, is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role requires a creative and experienced engineer who can lead the design and development of robust and efficient machinery from concept through to production. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, practical experience with complex machinery design, and a passion for developing solutions that enhance productivity for their clients. You will be instrumental in driving design improvements and mentoring junior engineers within a dedicated product development department. This is a key position in the vibrant industrial landscape of Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery, focusing on performance, reliability, and ease of operation.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks).
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations to ensure structural integrity, stress analysis, and system functionality.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing and assembly teams to ensure designs are optimized for production and assembly efficiency.
• Oversee prototype construction, testing, and validation, addressing any design challenges.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including user manuals and maintenance guides.
• Stay informed about industry trends, new materials, and manufacturing technologies to drive innovation.
• Mentor and guide junior design engineers, fostering technical development within the team.
• Manage design timelines and ensure deliverables are met according to project schedules.
• Conduct design reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software and experience with simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to heavy machinery (e.g., fabrication, machining, hydraulics, pneumatics).
• Proven ability to manage complex design projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience in the agricultural or food processing machinery sector is a plus.
• A portfolio demonstrating successful complex machinery designs would be advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and exposure to new technologies, are provided. The role offers the chance to work on innovative and challenging machinery designs within a supportive and experienced team. This position is based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , providing a unique work-life balance.