Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design and development of complex mechanical components and systems.

The role requires 7+ years of experience, proficiency in SolidWorks/CATIA and ANSYS/Abaqus, strong materials knowledge, and ability to mentor juniors. On-site work with cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and FEA tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, fluids, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
• Experience with DFM/ DFA is desirable.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and detailed engineering of mechanical components and systems using CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and dynamic simulations using FEA tools to validate designs.
• Develop and refine prototypes, conduct tests, analyze results to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure producible, cost-effective designs that meet quality standards.
• Create and maintain design documentation, BOMs, and specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical engineering challenges throughout the lifecycle.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team growth.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in mechanical engineering technologies and materials.

Skills

CAD software

FEA analysis

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Cross-functional

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in advanced materials and mechanical systems, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute to cutting-edge projects, working with state-of-the-art technologies. You will be instrumental in driving the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical components and systems. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and product management, to ensure the successful delivery of high-performance solutions. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment, offering significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the field of mechanical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and detailed engineering of mechanical components and systems using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and dynamic simulations using FEA tools to validate designs.
• Develop and refine prototypes, conduct rigorous testing, and analyze results to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical engineering challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering technologies and materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development, preferably within the aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles is highly desirable.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• Employees have access to ongoing training and development programs, opportunities for international collaboration, and a supportive work culture that values innovation and employee well-being.
• We believe in work-life balance and provide resources to support our team's personal and professional growth.
• Join us and be part of a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering.