Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Machinery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and testing of complex industrial systems. You will work across R&D, manufacturing, and projects to bring concepts to production with a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach.

The role requires 7+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and experience with FEA/CFD, materials, and manufacturing processes, in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design for industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Strong knowledge of materials, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and design principles.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop complex mechanical systems for industrial machinery using CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis to validate designs and optimize performance (FEA/CFD).
• Prepare design specifications, manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and test reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize for production.
• Troubleshoot design issues during prototyping, testing, and production.
• Participate in design reviews and ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Stay updated on engineering advancements and mentor junior engineers.
• Manage multiple design projects and ensure timely completion.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of advanced industrial machinery, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to the innovation and development of cutting-edge engineering solutions. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and testing new mechanical systems and components, ensuring they meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and project management, to bring complex projects from ideation to production. We are looking for a proactive individual who can provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers while maintaining a hands-on approach to design challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop complex mechanical systems and components for industrial machinery using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, manufacturing drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and test reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for efficient and cost-effective production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues that arise during prototyping, testing, and production phases.
• Participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering technologies and industry best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring successful completion within defined parameters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and relevant simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Solid understanding of material science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design principles.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, and fabrication.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site collaboration.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a challenging yet rewarding work environment in Pietermaritzburg. Employees will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to work on impactful projects that drive industrial innovation. Opportunities for career advancement within the organization are abundant for high-achievers. We provide a supportive team culture where innovation and collaboration are highly valued, and contributions are recognized and rewarded. You'll also have access to ongoing training programs to keep your skills sharp in this evolving field.