Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Marine & Offshore

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision insurance

Generous retirement plan

Substantial annual leave

Professional development

International travel opportunities

Wellness programs

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 Marine in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead offshore system design for vessels and platforms. The role emphasizes stress analysis, CAD/FEA proficiency, and compliance with DNV/ABS/API standards.

You will guide a multidisciplinary team and drive reliable, innovative solutions. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in marine/offshore design, strong leadership, and travel readiness to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years in mechanical design with marine/offshore focus.
• Proven CAD and FEA experience; knowledge of marine standards (DNV/ABS/API).

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and engineering of complex marine/offshore systems.
• Perform detailed stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis using FEA.
• Develop drawings, specs, and BOMs per industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with marine/offshore codes and client requirements.
• Collaborate with naval architects and structural engineers.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of designs.
• Troubleshoot design issues in fabrication and installation.
• Manage design documentation and change control.
• Mentor junior engineers and support tendering efforts.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and concept designs.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

CAD software

Leadership

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international firm specializing in marine engineering solutions and offshore infrastructure, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is crucial for the design and development of robust mechanical systems and components for offshore platforms, vessels, and subsea equipment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in mechanical design, stress analysis, and a strong understanding of the unique challenges presented by the marine and offshore environments. You will be responsible for leading design efforts, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards (e.g., DNV, ABS), and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative and reliable engineering solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your expertise to critical projects within a high-growth sector, contributing to the development of vital energy and maritime infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and engineering of complex systems for marine and offshore applications.
• Perform detailed stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis using FEA software for critical components and structures.
• Develop detailed design drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) according to industry standards.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant marine and offshore codes, classification society rules, and client requirements.
• Collaborate with naval architects, structural engineers, and other discipline engineers to integrate mechanical systems.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs, ensuring performance and reliability.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues during fabrication, installation, and operation phases.
• Manage design documentation and change control processes effectively.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers and technical staff.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and tendering processes for new projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on marine or offshore projects.
• Proven experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• In-depth knowledge of marine and offshore design standards and regulations (e.g., DNV, ABS, API).
• Experience with subsea equipment, ROVs, marine propulsion systems, or offshore structural components is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of material science, welding procedures, and fabrication processes relevant to the offshore industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding project environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and fabrication yards as needed.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for project-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Substantial annual leave and company holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Involvement in cutting-edge offshore projects with global impact.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment with a focus on innovation and safety.
• Potential for international travel and assignments.
• Employee wellness programs and team-building activities.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.