Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & retirement benefits

Hybrid work options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a Polokwane-based role with hybrid on-site and remote work. You will lead the design of mechanical systems leveraging advanced materials, translating theory into practical, manufacturable solutions and guiding product development.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science, with 8+ years in design and development, expertise in SolidWorks/CATIA and FEA/CFD, and strong

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.
• 8+ years in mechanical design and product development with a focus on advanced materials.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Strong understanding of material properties and failure mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of complex systems using advanced materials.
• Create detailed 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks/CATIA.
• Perform FEA/CFD analyses to optimize designs for strength and durability.
• Collaborate with R&D, materials scientists, and manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and manage BOMs and specifications.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and design validation.
• Document design processes and test results.

Skills

CAD software

FEA/CFD

Materials science knowledge

Analytical thinking

Hybrid teamwork

Education

Master's degree

PhD in Materials Science

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 highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Polokwane . This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between collaborative on-site work and remote flexibility. You will be at the forefront of designing and developing novel mechanical systems and components that leverage the unique properties of advanced materials. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical design, materials science, and product development, with a proven ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into practical, functional designs. This position is crucial for driving innovation and bringing next-generation products to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex systems and components, focusing on applications of advanced materials (e.g., composites, ceramics, advanced alloys).
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for detailed 3D modeling, assembly design, and technical drawings.
• Perform advanced analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to optimize designs for performance, strength, and durability under demanding conditions.
• Collaborate closely with materials scientists, R&D specialists, and manufacturing engineers to define design requirements and ensure manufacturability.
• Develop and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) and component specifications.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases, validating designs against performance criteria and material properties.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design challenges encountered during development.
• Document design processes, specifications, test results, and project findings comprehensively.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in materials science and mechanical engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design and product development, with a significant focus on advanced materials.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and advanced simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Deep understanding of material properties, failure mechanisms, and selection criteria for diverse applications.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques suitable for novel materials.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working in hybrid team settings.
• Proven track record of innovation and successful product development.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and flexible hybrid work options.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending conferences, and further education.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and research resources.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for stock options.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking company shaping the future of materials technology.