Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy Machinery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design of heavy industrial machinery, develop 3D models, perform FEA, select materials, and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing.

You’ll guide projects from concept to production, mentor junior engineers, ensure compliance with standards, and drive innovation with SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, and PLM systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design of heavy industrial equipment or capital machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM/PDM systems; familiarity with FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design process for new heavy machinery projects from concept to final validation.
• Develop 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using CAD software; ensure manufacturability.
• Perform FEA for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis; select materials and components accordingly.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production processes; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of heavy industrial machinery, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is central to the design and development of robust and high-performance machinery used across various industrial sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and validating new mechanical systems, components, and products. This position requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and experience in material selection, stress analysis, and manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and project management teams to bring innovative solutions from concept to production. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge engineering projects in a key industrial city like Port Elizabeth, working on machinery that powers global industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design process for new heavy machinery projects, from concept generation to detailed design and final validation.
• Develop 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis.
• Select appropriate materials and components based on performance requirements, cost, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for efficient and cost-effective production.
• Work closely with the R&D team to explore and implement new technologies and innovative design solutions.
• Prepare technical specifications, design reports, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation activities, ensuring designs meet performance and reliability targets.
• Provide technical support to the production and after-sales service teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the overall technical growth of the engineering department in Port Elizabeth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on heavy industrial equipment, capital machinery, or similar complex systems.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong experience with FEA and other simulation tools for design validation.
• Solid understanding of material science, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, welding).
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and power transmission systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to heavy machinery.
• Experience in the Eastern Cape manufacturing sector is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to advanced design and simulation tools.
• A stimulating work environment with challenging projects.
• Potential for leadership roles within the engineering team.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Port Elizabeth.