Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Opportunities for professional dev.

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Pretoria to lead the design of industrial automation machinery. You will develop concepts, create 3D models and BOMs, and work with cross‑functional teams to ensure robust, manufacturable designs.

The role emphasizes prototype testing, analysis, and implementation across the full design lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of mechanical design experience, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks), and a solid grasp of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design for industrial machinery or automation systems.
• Strong CAD skills with SolidWorks and 3D modeling experience.
• Solid understanding of gears, bearings, actuators and sensors.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of material selection and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for industrial automation machinery.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and BOMs using SolidWorks.
• Perform calculations, stress analysis and tolerance studies for manufacturability.
• Collaborate with electrical and software teams to integrate designs with control systems.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and analyze performance data.
• Provide technical support during manufacturing, installation and commissioning.
• Research new technologies and components to improve product performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues in field or production settings.
• Document design specs and test results.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of industrial automation solutions, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in designing and developing state‑of‑the‑art machinery and automated systems for various industrial applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in mechanical design, a strong understanding of automation principles, and proficiency in CAD software. You will be responsible for the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and implementation. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated engineer to contribute to the advancement of manufacturing technologies in Pretoria and make a significant impact on client operations. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and growth‑oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for industrial automation machinery, including robotic cells, conveyor systems, and custom production equipment.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Perform engineering calculations, stress analysis, and tolerance studies to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers to integrate mechanical designs with control systems and automation software.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototype systems, analyze performance data, and implement design improvements.
• Provide technical support during the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning phases of automation projects.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and components to enhance product performance and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues that arise in the field or during production.
• Document design specifications, test results, and user manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on industrial machinery or automation systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks strongly preferred).
• Solid understanding of mechanical components such as gears, bearings, actuators, and sensors.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of material selection and manufacturing processes relevant to industrial equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively in Pretoria, Gauteng .
• Experience with robotic systems integration is a plus.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health insurance
• retirement plan contributions
• opportunities for professional development and training
• This position in Pretoria provides a chance to work on exciting and challenging projects with a dedicated team.
• We believe in investing in our employees and offer ongoing learning opportunities.
• Performance‑based bonuses and paid time off are standard.