Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, focused on advanced materials and their applications. You will design novel components that leverage composites, ceramics and high-performance alloys, and work across disciplines.

The role involves analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation and collaboration with material scientists to translate material properties into durable,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or materials science.
• 6+ years in mechanical design with advanced materials.
• Experience with composites, ceramics or high-temp alloys.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE for material behavior simulation.
• Strong understanding of material science and failure modes.
• Experience with experimental testing and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of components using advanced materials.
• Perform stress, fatigue, and thermal analyses on designs.
• Develop designs using CAD software ensuring manufacturability.
• Collaborate with material scientists to translate properties into designs.
• Oversee prototyping and testing to validate performance.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve material selection and design.
• Ensure designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and support team growth.
• Stay updated with advances in materials science and mechanical engineering.

Skills

Mechanical design

Materials science

Composite materials

CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA)

CAE tools

Stress analysis

Experimentation

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm specializing in advanced materials and their applications, is seeking a talented Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role requires an engineer with a deep understanding of material properties and their impact on mechanical design, particularly in demanding environments. You will be involved in designing novel components and systems that leverage the unique characteristics of advanced materials, pushing the boundaries of performance and durability. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical background in mechanical engineering and materials science, coupled with practical experience in design, analysis, and testing. This is an exciting opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that have the potential to revolutionize various industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of components and systems utilizing advanced materials (e.g., composites, ceramics, high-performance alloys).
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis, including stress, strain, fatigue, and thermal analysis, considering unique material behaviors.
• Develop and optimize designs using advanced CAD software, ensuring manufacturability and performance.
• Collaborate with material scientists and research teams to translate material properties into functional designs.
• Oversee prototyping and testing activities to validate design performance and material integrity.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in material selection and mechanical design.
• Ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.
• Stay current with advancements in materials science and mechanical engineering relevant to your projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science/Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mechanical design, with a specific focus on advanced materials.
• Proven experience in designing with composites, ceramics, high-temperature alloys, or other specialized materials.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and CAE tools for material behavior simulation.
• Strong understanding of material science principles, failure modes, and characterization techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous approach to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities for interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Experience with experimental testing and data analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace, automotive, or industrial applications involving extreme conditions is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health coverage, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. You will be part of a stimulating research environment, working on projects that are at the forefront of technological innovation in Port Elizabeth . The company supports professional development and provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering a culture of discovery and engineering excellence.