Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Generous leave

Professional development

Conferences

Access to advanced design tools

Relocation assistance

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design of automated machinery and robotic cells from concept through testing, on-site at the Stellenbosch facility. The role requires deep automation experience and a passion for robust, high‑performance systems.

The engineer will apply 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE (FEA), integrate pneumatic/hydraulic subsystems and servo motors, and mentor junior team members while ensuring safety standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design with emphasis on automation machinery or robotics.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (FEA).
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic/hydraulic systems, servo motors, PLCs and control integration.
• Experience with robot integration (KUKA, ABB, FANUC) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of custom automation machinery and robotic cells using CAD software.
• Perform detailed mechanical design, including component selection, stress analysis, and mechanism design.
• Create manufacturing drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls and software engineers for system integration.
• Oversee assembly, testing and commissioning of equipment at client site or facility.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during design, build and operation.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Stay current with robotics and automation advancements.
• Ensure designs comply with safety standards (CSA, ISO) and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

CAD software

Automation experience

Robotics integration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Siemens NX

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent leader in the manufacturing automation industry, specializing in the design and implementation of advanced production systems. They are seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to the development of bespoke automation solutions that drive efficiency and productivity for their diverse clientele. You will be responsible for the entire design lifecycle of automated machinery, from conceptualization and detailed design to implementation and testing. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in automation technology, a strong grasp of mechanical principles, and a passion for creating robust, high-performance systems. This is an on-site position, requiring full-time dedication at our Stellenbosch facility. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, contributing to groundbreaking projects. We seek an individual who is proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that push the boundaries of industrial automation. The successful applicant will play a key role in shaping the future of manufacturing processes for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of custom automation machinery and robotic cells using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed mechanical design, including component selection, stress analysis, and mechanism design.
• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings, schematics, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of automated systems.
• Oversee the assembly, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment at the client's site or the facility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues during design, build, and operational phases.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with advancements in robotics, automation technology, and related engineering fields.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., CSA, ISO) and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong emphasis on automation machinery or robotics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (FEA).
• Strong understanding of pneumatic and hydraulic systems, servo motors, PLCs, and control system integration.
• Experience with robot integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB, FANUC) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement annuity, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to advanced design tools and manufacturing technologies.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment fostering innovation.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading automation company.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Regular team events and social activities.