Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development and training

Generous paid time off

Access to design/testing facilities in

East London

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for our East London facility. You will lead design and development of heavy industrial machinery, delivering robust, manufacturable solutions.

Ideal candidates have 7–9 years of experience, expert CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX) and proven capability in FEA/CFD analysis, machine design, and cross-functional collaboration. PLC integration experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 7–9 years of progressive mechanical design experience in industrial machinery.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with FEA and CFD analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus).
• In-depth knowledge of machine design principles, mechanisms, gears, bearings, and power transmission.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, and injection molding.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery and components from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software.
• Perform complex engineering calculations and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate designs for strength, durability, and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturing, and product support, to ensure integrated system solutions.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, considering cost, quality, and production feasibility.
• Develop prototypes, conduct testing, and analyze results to refine designs.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, BOMs, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design issues encountered during development or in the field.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the engineering department.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and design methodologies in industrial machinery.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative product development team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role requires a seasoned professional to lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems and equipment, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mechanical principles, advanced CAD/CAE tools, and a strong understanding of industrial manufacturing processes. You will be instrumental in driving product innovation and maintaining the company's competitive edge. This is a significant career opportunity within a respected industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery and components from concept to production.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software.
• Perform complex engineering calculations and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate designs for strength, durability, and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturing, and product support, to ensure integrated system solutions.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, considering cost, quality, and production feasibility.
• Develop prototypes, conduct testing, and analyze results to refine designs.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, BOMs, and technical manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design issues encountered during development or in the field.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the engineering department.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and design methodologies in industrial machinery.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, specifically with industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with FEA and CFD analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• In-depth knowledge of machine design principles, mechanisms, gears, bearings, and power transmission.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, casting, and injection molding.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with PLC integration and automation is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Robust retirement savings plan.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, training, and further education.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and testing facilities in East London .
• A challenging and rewarding work environment focused on innovation.
• Career progression opportunities within a leading manufacturing firm.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.