Senior Mechanical Design Engineer: Automation & Robotics

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Generous leave

Professional development

Conferences

Access to advanced design tools

Relocation assistance

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design of automated machinery and robotic cells from concept through testing, on-site at the Stellenbosch facility. The role requires deep automation experience and a passion for robust, high‑performance systems.

The engineer will apply 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE (FEA), integrate pneumatic/hydraulic subsystems and servo motors, and mentor junior team members while ensuring safety standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design with emphasis on automation machinery or robotics.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (FEA).
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic/hydraulic systems, servo motors, PLCs and control integration.
• Experience with robot integration (KUKA, ABB, FANUC) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of custom automation machinery and robotic cells using CAD software.
• Perform detailed mechanical design, including component selection, stress analysis, and mechanism design.
• Create manufacturing drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls and software engineers for system integration.
• Oversee assembly, testing and commissioning of equipment at client site or facility.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during design, build and operation.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Stay current with robotics and automation advancements.
• Ensure designs comply with safety standards (CSA, ISO) and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

CAD software

Automation experience

Robotics integration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Siemens NX

FEA

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design of automated machinery and robotic cells from concept through testing, on-site at the Stellenbosch facility. The role requires deep automation experience and a passion for robust, high‑performance systems.

The engineer will apply 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE (FEA), integrate pneumatic/hydraulic subsystems and servo motors, and mentor junior team members while ensuring safety standards