Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Agricultural Machinery

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Capes, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the development of robust agricultural machinery. You will design, simulate, and validate components and assemblies that improve efficiency and durability in farming operations worldwide.

The role requires leadership, hands-on CAD/FEA work, and collaboration with product and manufacturing teams to meet safety and performance targets in harsh environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design for heavy machinery.
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA analysis.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, power transmission and materials science.
• Experience designing for harsh environments and durability.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of agricultural machinery, including tractors and harvesting equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies and manufacturing drawings using CAD software.
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and kinematic simulations for durability.
• Collaborate with product specialists and manufacturing teams to translate needs into designs.
• Select materials and processes focusing on durability, cost-effectiveness, and performance.
• Develop and execute design validation plans including physical testing.
• Identify and implement design improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team expertise.
• Ensure designs comply with safety standards for agricultural equipment.

Skills

CAD

FEA

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of advanced agricultural machinery, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to enhance their product development capabilities in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is crucial for the design, innovation, and refinement of robust machinery used in modern farming. You will be instrumental in developing solutions that improve efficiency, yield, and sustainability for agricultural operations worldwide. Working within a dedicated team, you'll apply your expertise in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing to create reliable and high-performance equipment. This is a significant opportunity for an engineer passionate about the agricultural sector to drive technological advancement and contribute to global food production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of agricultural machinery, including tractors, implements, and harvesting equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and kinematic simulations to ensure the integrity, performance, and durability of machinery components under field conditions.
• Collaborate with product specialists, agronomists, and manufacturing teams to translate user needs into practical and effective designs.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, focusing on durability, cost-effectiveness, and performance in harsh environments.
• Develop and execute design validation plans, including physical testing and data analysis.
• Identify and implement design improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce maintenance, and lower production costs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's overall technical expertise.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards and regulations for agricultural equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on agricultural or heavy-duty machinery.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulics, power transmission, and material science.
• Experience with design for harsh environments and durability requirements.
• Proven track record in managing design projects from concept to production.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Familiarity with agricultural practices and operational needs is a strong asset.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement contributions, and performance incentives. The role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, within a region central to South Africa's agricultural landscape. This position provides unique opportunities for professional growth, involvement in cutting-edge agricultural technology, and career advancement. Employees benefit from a collaborative and innovative work environment focused on practical solutions.