Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and optimization of complex mechanical systems for advanced industrial applications.

You will design with CAD, perform FEA/CFD analyses, generate drawings and BOMs, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, compliant solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and FEA/CFD tools.
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis.
• Experience with machining, injection molding, and assembly processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical design approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey complex concepts.
• Experience in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal industrial context is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical systems and components using CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis (FEA/CFD) to validate designs and predict performance.
• Create comprehensive drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing specifications.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure integration.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation; troubleshoot design issues.
• Implement design improvements based on test results and client feedback.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, safety regulations, and quality controls.
• Mentor junior engineers and stay updated on new technologies and methods.

Skills

CAD software

FEA/CFD tools

Materials science

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role involves contributing to the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems for cutting-edge industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical principles, a passion for innovation, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of engineering technology, contributing directly to the company's growth and success in the competitive manufacturing sector. You will be an integral part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality, robust, and efficient mechanical designs that meet stringent performance requirements and client expectations. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in design processes and methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical systems and components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs and predict performance.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and manufacturing specifications.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation, troubleshooting any design issues that arise.
• Implement design improvements and optimizations based on testing results, client feedback, and manufacturing constraints.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance within the mechanical engineering department.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and design methodologies to enhance product innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and FEA/CFD tools.
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, injection molding, and assembly.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to design challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience in the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal industrial landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes a competitive annual salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and further education, are readily available to foster career growth. The company also provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment with access to state-of-the‑art engineering tools and facilities. We encourage innovation and provide opportunities for employees to contribute to cutting‑edge projects. Join a team that is committed to excellence and making a significant impact in the manufacturing industry. Opportunities for career advancement within the organization are excellent.