Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.200.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Mbombela (Nelspruit) seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design of heavy machinery components, focusing on performance, durability and user efficiency. You will create detailed 3D models, drawings and assemblies and work with manufacturing to turn concepts into production.

You will perform FEA and thermal analyses, document BOMs and specs, review designs, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience with heavy machinery or industrial equipment.
• Proven CAD and FEA skills with strong documentation ability.

Responsabilidades

• Lead mechanical design of heavy machinery components from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and assemblies with CAD software.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses using FEA tools.
• Develop BOMs and technical specifications, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, R&D and project management across the product lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews, implement changes for performance and manufacturability.
• Research materials and processes to improve design.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide design best practices.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues in manufacturing and testing.

Conocimientos

CAD proficiency

FEA analysis

Project management

Strong communicator

Team leadership

Educación

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Herramientas

SolidWorks

CATIA

Inventor

PDM/PLM

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of heavy machinery and industrial equipment, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Nelspruit . This role is central to the design and development of new products and the improvement of existing machinery, focusing on performance, durability, and user efficiency. You will leverage your expertise in mechanical engineering principles and CAD software to create detailed designs, conduct simulations, and work closely with manufacturing to bring concepts to life. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to industry-leading equipment design, with a flexible hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex heavy machinery components and systems from concept to production.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor) to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assemblies.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, fatigue, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA tools.
• Develop and document design specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, R&D, and project management, throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews, identify potential issues, and implement design changes to improve performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance product design.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and customer requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues encountered during manufacturing, assembly, or field testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or automotive components.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for structural and thermal analysis.
• Solid understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (machining, welding, casting), and industry standards.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and power transmission systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment and managing design tasks effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and pursuing further qualifications are encouraged. This hybrid role allows for a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility, based in Nelspruit . Join a respected industry leader known for its innovation and commitment to engineering excellence.