Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Consumer Electronics

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for its Nelspruit, Mpumalanga team. You will own mechanical design across concepts to mass production for consumer electronic devices, focusing on aesthetics, durability, and manufacturability.

You will collaborate with design, electrical, and firmware teams, using SolidWorks/ Creo/ Inventor and CAE tools to ensure reliable performance and cost-effective production. Office-based in Mpumalanga with ample growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics/portable devices.
• Proven expertise with 3D CAD and strong portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for consumer electronic devices using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and specifications for production.
• Perform mechanical analysis (stress, thermal, drop testing) to ensure reliability.
• Collaborate with industrial design, electrical, and firmware teams to meet goals.
• Work with manufacturing partners to optimize for cost and quality.
• Conduct design reviews and address risks with robust solutions.
• Support testing and validation, including setting up mechanical tests.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development, testing, or post-launch.
• Stay updated on materials and manufacturing processes relevant to electronics.
• Contribute to product development lifecycle from concept to launch.

Skills

3D CAD mastery

DFM/ DFA

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Inventor

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established innovator in the consumer electronics space, is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dedicated team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is crucial for the design and development of next-generation consumer electronic products, from initial concept through to mass production. You will be responsible for the mechanical aspects of product design, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, durability, and manufacturability. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to products used by millions worldwide, working within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. The Nelspruit office is a hub for our product development, featuring modern labs and design facilities. We pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and continuous learning, offering significant career progression opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for consumer electronic devices using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and specifications for production.
• Perform mechanical analysis (stress, thermal, drop testing) to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Collaborate closely with industrial design, electrical engineering, and firmware teams to achieve product goals.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for cost-effective production and high-quality assembly.
• Conduct design reviews, identify potential risks, and implement solutions to address design challenges.
• Support product testing and validation efforts, including setting up and executing mechanical tests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues that arise during product development, testing, or post-launch.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to consumer electronics.
• Contribute to the overall product development lifecycle, from concept generation to product launch in Mpumalanga.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically for consumer electronics or portable electronic devices.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or Inventor, with a strong portfolio demonstrating design capability.
• Proficiency in CAE tools for simulation and analysis (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Deep understanding of materials used in consumer electronics (plastics, metals, composites) and their properties.
• Experience with manufacturing processes common in electronics production (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, die casting).
• Strong understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Experience with testing and validation methodologies for consumer products.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, annual bonuses, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, a generous retirement plan, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The work environment in Nelspruit is dynamic and fosters innovation, providing exposure to exciting new technologies and products. We encourage a healthy work-life balance and offer various employee programs. This position is based at our primary R&D center in Mpumalanga, providing direct access to cutting-edge tools and collaborative teams.