Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Mecad Systems; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecad Systems in Cape Town seeks an experienced mechanical/structural design engineer to drive concept development through detailed design, manufacture, installation and commissioning for heavy manufacturing, mining and marine projects.

You will apply sound engineering judgement, coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, and produce manufacturable solutions, three‑dimensional models, drawings and documentation to meet project requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical/structural design in heavy manufacturing, mining or marine environments.
• Ability to analyze complex design requirements and produce accurate outputs.
• Proven engineering judgement with accountability for design quality and safety.
• Plan and coordinate design activities across multiple projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication to multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical design, materials and fabrication processes.
• Advanced SolidWorks proficiency (weldments, sheet metal, large assemblies) and AutoCAD.
• Experience with SolidWorks Simulation and FEA documentation.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerances and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience reviewing designs for manufacturability and safety.
• Willingness to conduct site surveys and provide technical support.
• ECSA registration advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical and structural designs from concept through commissioning.
• Analyze design requirements, operating conditions and interfaces; identify solutions.
• Coordinate design activities across multiple projects to meet scope and schedule.
• Develop manufacturable solutions for machinery and structures and fabrication processes.
• Communicate design intent and risks to project teams, suppliers and clients.
• Create 3D models, calculations, BOMs and controlled documentation.
• Review designs for strength, safety, and compliance before release.
• Lead or participate in design reviews and manage design changes with traceability.
• Conduct site surveys and provide technical support during manufacture and testing.

Skills

Engineering judgement

Project coordination

Communication skills

Fabrication knowledge

Mechanical design

Structural mechanics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

SolidWorks Simulation

Finite element analysis

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of mechanical and structural designs from concept development through detailed design, manufacture, installation and commissioning, applying sound engineering judgement and recognized industry standards
• Analyze complex design requirements, operating conditions and interfaces; identify practical solutions; and make timely, well-supported engineering decisions
• Plan, prioritize and coordinate design activities, technical inputs and deliverables across multiple projects to meet agreed scope, quality and schedule requirements
• Develop practical, manufacturable solutions for machinery, industrial equipment, steel and aluminum structures, and marine or subsea equipment, considering material properties and fabrication processes such as welding and machining
• Communicate design intent, technical risks and the basis for engineering decisions clearly to project managers, production personnel, suppliers and clients, and coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces
• Create and maintain accurate three-dimensional models, engineering calculations, finite element analyses, manufacturing-ready drawings, bills of materials and controlled technical documentation.
• Review and verify designs for strength, stiffness, safety, functionality, manufacturability and compliance with project requirements and applicable codes before release
• Lead or participate in design reviews, resolve design queries and production deviations, and implement controlled design changes while maintaining technical accountability and traceability
• Conduct site surveys and inspections, verify existing conditions and design inputs, and provide technical support during manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
• At least 10 years’ mechanical or structural design engineering experience, including responsibility for concept development, detailed design and manufacturing deliverables in heavy manufacturing, mining, materials handling, marine or offshore environments
• Demonstrated ability to analyses complex design requirements, operating conditions and interfaces, identify practical solutions and produce accurate engineering outputs
• Proven engineering judgement, with the ability to make timely, well-supported decisions and take accountability for design quality, safety, compliance and delivery
• Ability to plan, prioritize and coordinate design activities, technical inputs and deliverables across multiple projects to meet scope, quality and schedule requirements
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain design intent, technical risks and engineering decisions to multidisciplinary teams, clients, suppliers and production personnel
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical design, structural mechanics, steel and aluminium properties, and fabrication processes including welding and machining, with the ability to apply this knowledge to practical, manufacturable designs
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including weldments, sheet metal and large assemblies, and strong AutoCAD capability for producing and revising two-dimensional engineering and fabrication drawings
• Practical experience using finite element analysis software, such as SolidWorks Simulation, including defining load cases and boundary conditions, assessing strength and stiffness, and documenting assumptions, results and conclusions
• Strong knowledge and practical application of engineering drawing standards, GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, material specifications, weld details and manufacturing documentation requirements
• Experience reviewing designs for functionality, manufacturability, safety and compliance; resolving production queries and deviations; and implementing controlled design changes with appropriate technical traceability
• Willingness and ability to conduct site surveys and inspections and to provide technical support during manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa, or progress towards registration, will be advantageous