Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer based in Midrand, Gauteng. The role focuses on conceptualizing, designing, and developing complex mechanical systems for cutting-edge machinery across the product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of experience in mechanical design, strong CAD/FEA skills (SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor; ANSYS/Abaqus), and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, preferably in industrial automation or machinery.
• Proven expertise in 3D CAD software and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection moulding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Excellent knowledge of material science, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and kinematics.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new mechanical systems and products to meet performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks/CATIA/Inventor.
• Perform stress, thermal and vibration analysis using FEA tools to validate designs.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams for seamless project integration.
• Specify materials, components, and processes, and work with suppliers to ensure spec adherence.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production units; document results and drive design improvements.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and troubleshoot design-related issues.

Skills

3D CAD

FEM analysis

Cross‑functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Inventor

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves conceptualizing, designing, and developing complex mechanical systems and components for a range of cutting‑edge machinery. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation and prototyping through to final production and testing. We are looking for a proactive individual who can contribute to our client’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the engineering sector. This is an excellent opportunity to work on challenging projects and grow your career within a supportive and forward‑thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical systems and products, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using industry‑standard software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Conduct thorough stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to validate designs.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing personnel, to ensure seamless project integration.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes, and work with suppliers to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for prototypes and production units, documenting results and implementing design improvements.
• Provide technical support and guidance to the manufacturing team and troubleshoot any design‑related issues that arise during production.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to continuously improve product offerings.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, preferably within the industrial automation or machinery sector.
• Proven expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection moulding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Excellent knowledge of material science, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and kinematics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects with a team of highly skilled professionals.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment located in Midrand, Gauteng.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering a balance between office and remote work.