Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & development

Paid leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Pietermaritzburg to lead design and development of complex mechanical systems. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and QA to ensure product integrity from concept to production.

The successful candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of CAD, FEA, materials, and design for manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Demonstrated experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
• Proven leadership potential or experience in mentoring junior engineers.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design.
• Adept at project management and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new mechanical components and systems, adhering to project timelines and budget constraints.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and dynamic simulations, using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation).
• Create and maintain design documentation, including 2D drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production, assembly, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and other team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues during prototyping, testing, and production phases.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in mechanical engineering technologies and methodologies.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure supplier compliance with design requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their esteemed team. This pivotal role is based in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . You will be instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in the design and development of complex mechanical systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, contributing significantly to the company's continued success and technological advancement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure the seamless integration of designs from concept to production. This role requires a proactive approach and the ability to mentor junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new mechanical components and systems, adhering to project timelines and budget constraints.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and dynamic simulations, using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation).
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including 2D drawings, 3D models, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production, assembly, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and other team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues encountered during prototyping, testing, and production phases.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering technologies and methodologies, recommending their adoption where appropriate.
• Manage vendor relationships for specialized components and ensure supplier compliance with design requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Demonstrated experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
• Proven leadership potential or experience in mentoring junior engineers.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design.
• Adept at project management and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Benefits

Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes a competitive annual salary, performance-based bonuses, medical aid contributions, a provident fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development and training. You will also have access to a generous leave policy and a stimulating work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. The company is committed to fostering a culture of learning and provides resources for attending industry conferences and workshops, ensuring you stay at the forefront of mechanical engineering.