Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Process Equipment

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a leading provider of process equipment in Sandton. The role covers full design lifecycle from concept to manufacturing support, with collaborative work across process engineers and project managers.

The position offers a hybrid work model, combining home-based focused work with essential office sessions, and opportunities to work on high-impact equipment for chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in process equipment.
• Experience with 3D CAD and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Familiarity with ASME pressure vessel codes.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work in hybrid office/remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical systems for chemical/pharma processes using CAD.
• Perform stress, thermal, and CFD analyses to ensure performance.
• Produce drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with process engineers, project managers, and manufacturing.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Improve manufacturability, maintainability, safety, and cost.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for design issues.
• Stay updated on new materials and technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's knowledge.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, and client meetings.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the design and manufacturing of specialized process equipment for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, is seeking a proficient Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to strengthen their team in Sandton . This role is crucial for the development of innovative and highly reliable equipment that meets stringent industry demands. You will be involved in the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to ensuring manufacturability and supporting commissioning. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in mechanical design principles, experience with complex equipment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including process engineers and project managers. The hybrid work arrangement allows for focused work at home combined with essential collaborative sessions and hands-on activities at the office. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to projects that have a significant impact on critical industrial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical systems and equipment for chemical and pharmaceutical process applications using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including stress analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics, to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Create comprehensive design documentation, including detailed drawings, schematics, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with process engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet all functional and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new equipment, providing technical guidance and troubleshooting issues.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, maintainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct root cause analysis for design-related problems and implement robust corrective actions.
• Stay informed about new technologies, materials, and best practices in process equipment design.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical expertise and knowledge base.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOP studies, and client meetings, providing expert mechanical engineering input.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on process equipment for industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, or food and beverage.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software and proficiency in relevant simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with pressure vessel design codes (e.g., ASME) and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and client interaction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with automation and control systems integration is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in both remote and on-site settings within a hybrid model.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a retirement savings plan.
• We believe in investing in our employees' professional development, offering opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and career progression.
• The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Employees benefit from working on cutting-edge projects within a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Additional perks include performance bonuses and generous paid time off.
• Join a company committed to innovation and excellence in process engineering.