Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Pretoria to lead the design and development of advanced industrial machinery. You will drive innovations, create robust 3D models, and guide prototypes from concept through production with strong CAD/FEA expertise.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure designs meet manufacturing and safety standards, contributing to state-of-the-art industrial solutions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience in mechanical design for industrial machinery or automation.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for stress, thermal and vibration analysis.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, casting, injection molding).
• Experience with machine safety standards and best practices.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery and automated systems from concept to production.
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed 3D models, drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis using FEA to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and production teams.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for new designs.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation; document results and iterate designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote a culture of innovation.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in mechanical engineering and industrial automation.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

SolidWorks Simulation

PDM/PLM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized industrial machinery, is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their expanding operations in **Pretoria**. This role is crucial for driving innovation and excellence in the design and development of robust and efficient industrial equipment. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and prototyping new machinery, as well as improving existing product lines to meet evolving market demands and enhance performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical principles, extensive experience with CAD/CAE tools, and a keen understanding of manufacturing processes. Join a company renowned for its commitment to quality and technological advancement, contributing to significant projects within **Pretoria**. This is a key position for a seasoned engineer aiming to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new industrial machinery and automated systems from concept to production.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis using FEA to ensure design integrity and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and production teams to integrate mechanical components seamlessly.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes for new designs.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation phases, documenting results and making necessary design modifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design issues encountered during manufacturing or in the field.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in mechanical engineering and industrial automation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a strong background in industrial machinery or automation.
• Expertise in using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) and associated PDM/PLM systems.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, casting, injection molding).
• Experience with machine safety standards and best practices.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with control systems integration is a plus.
• Must be legally eligible to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including an attractive annual salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression are abundant. You will work in a dynamic and innovative environment, contributing to state-of-the-arts industrial solutions. This role is based in our **Pretoria** facility, offering a stimulating work environment with significant project impact. We encourage a collaborative and inclusive work culture.