Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our client in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead advanced CAD-driven design of aerospace/automotive components, mentor engineers, and drive robust analyses across the product development lifecycle.

The role requires 7+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD/FEA skills (SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS), experience with composites and advanced materials, and a collaborative mindset in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in mechanical design for aerospace or automotive applications.
• Proficiency with CAD/FEA tools (SolidWorks/ CATIA/ ANSYS/Abaqus).
• Experience with advanced materials, composites and alloys.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop complex mechanical systems and components using CAD tools.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analyses (FEA) to ensure design integrity.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications, and BOMs; collaborate with manufacturing and QA.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to project planning and scheduling.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

FEA analysis

Materials selection

Problem solving

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role Our client is a leading innovator in the design and manufacturing of high-performance components for the aerospace and automotive sectors. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our dynamic team based in **Midrand, Gauteng**. This pivotal role will involve contributing to cutting-edge projects, pushing the boundaries of material science and mechanical design. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical application experience, ensuring the development of robust and efficient engineering solutions. You will be instrumental in the conceptualization, design, and validation phases of new product development, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization committed to technological advancement and engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop complex mechanical systems and components using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform detailed stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Select appropriate materials based on performance requirements, cost, and manufacturability, with a focus on advanced composites and alloys.
• Create detailed manufacturing drawings, specifications, and bill of materials, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance teams to oversee the prototyping and production processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for design-related failures and implement corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, materials, and design methodologies relevant to mechanical engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design challenges.
• Contribute to project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on aerospace or automotive applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) and FEA analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience with advanced materials, including composites, high-strength steels, and exotic alloys.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and casting.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience in a project leadership or mentoring role is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with industry-specific standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, opportunities for professional development and further training, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses. Join a stimulating work environment that values innovation and employee growth. The position is based in **Midrand, Gauteng**, with a hybrid work arrangement offering a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.