Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy Equipment

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

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of heavy equipment components and systems. You will drive CAD/CAE workflows, analyze performance, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years in mechanical design for heavy machinery, and proven project leadership. You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing to ensure designs meet safety and reliability standards

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of heavy equipment components and systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of heavy-duty equipment, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative product development team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role is critical for leading the design and engineering efforts for new and existing product lines, ensuring superior performance, durability, and reliability. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, advanced CAD/CAE skills, and a proven ability to manage complex design projects from concept to production. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and maintaining our client's position as a leader in the heavy equipment industry. This is a key position within a well-established company, offering significant career growth opportunities in the industrial heartland of Vereeniging.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex heavy equipment components and systems.
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, simulations, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using advanced CAD/CAE software.
• Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis to ensure designs meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and testing, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation processes.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective engineering solutions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product design and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on heavy equipment or similar complex machinery.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (FEA, CFD).
• Deep understanding of mechanics of materials, machine design, hydraulics, and powertrain systems.
• Experience with material selection for demanding applications and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing design projects from conception to production.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with the industrial landscape in Vereeniging, Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings, and performance incentives. Enjoy a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional development, further training, and career advancement. This role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, offering the chance to work on impactful projects within a leading heavy equipment manufacturing company. Contribute to innovation and shape the future of industrial machinery.