Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead design, analysis, and development of cutting-edge mechanical systems, translating concepts into robust, safe products.

The role requires 7+ years in mechanical design, proficiency in SolidWorks/Inventor/CATIA, and hands-on experience with FEA/CFD, GD&T, and manufacturing processes. Join a team that values innovation and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drafting software (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Strong understanding of FEA and CFD principles and software.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes (machining, casting, injection molding, 3D printing), and GD&T.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with project management and leading technical initiatives is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with automation and robotics is a plus.
• Membership in a relevant professional engineering body (e.g., ECSA) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical systems and components using CAD software.
• Conduct detailed stress, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools.
• Prepare drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation to verify design performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues during manufacturing or field operations.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Excellent communication

Mentoring junior engineers

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in driving the design and development of cutting-edge mechanical systems and products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes, coupled with a passion for problem-solving and innovation. You will be instrumental in translating conceptual ideas into robust, functional designs that meet stringent performance and safety standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects that contribute to technological advancements within the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical systems and components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Conduct detailed stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Prepare comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical specifications.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing personnel, throughout the product lifecycle.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation to verify design performance against specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues encountered during manufacturing or field operation.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques to improve product design and efficiency.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to support their professional development.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a proven track record of successful project completion.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drafting software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Strong understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) principles and software.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes (machining, casting, injection molding, 3D printing), and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
• Experience with project management and leading technical initiatives is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with automation and robotics is a plus.
• Membership in a relevant professional engineering body (e.g., ECSA) is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

This is an exciting chance to make a significant impact on groundbreaking projects within a reputable organization. Join our client in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and advance your career in mechanical engineering.