Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Specialised Equipment

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Groundbreaking projects

World-class machinery

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join its client’s R&D team in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will conceptualize and design bespoke mechanical systems, driving innovation while ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

The role requires expert CAD skills (SolidWorks/CATIA/Inventor), strong FEA experience, and a track record in leading design projects from concept to production. Based in Polokwane, you will mentor juniors and collaborate across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of progressive mechanical design experience in specialized/industrial equipment.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA/Inventor) and PDM.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS/Abaqus) is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and materials science.
• Ability to design complex mechanical systems with moving parts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design process for specialized industrial equipment from concept to production.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses, including stress, thermal, and vibration, to validate design integrity.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists to integrate complex systems.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design challenges.
• Ensure designs meet all performance specifications, safety standards, and cost targets.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and share expertise in mechanical design.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

FEA analysis

Manufacturing knowledge

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Relocation willingness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Inventor

PDM systems

ANSYS or Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering manufacturer of highly specialized industrial equipment, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative R&D team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is crucial for the conceptualization, design, and development of bespoke mechanical systems that meet exacting performance standards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical principles, advanced CAD skills, and experience in designing complex machinery. You will be instrumental in driving product innovation, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring designs are optimized for functionality, reliability, and manufacturability. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a challenging and rewarding environment located in Polokwane .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design process for specialized industrial equipment from concept to production.


• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software.


• Perform engineering calculations and analyses, including stress, thermal, and vibration, to validate design integrity.


• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists to integrate complex systems.


• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design challenges.


• Ensure designs meet all performance specifications, safety standards, and cost targets.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards.


• Mentor junior engineers and share expertise in mechanical design.


• Stay informed about new technologies, materials, and manufacturing techniques relevant to specialized equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on specialized or industrial equipment.


• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor) and PDM systems.


• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) is highly desirable.


• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, fabrication, etc.) and materials science.


• Proven ability to design complex mechanical systems with intricate moving parts.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.


• Demonstrated ability to manage design tasks and timelines.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Polokwane .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.


• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking and unique engineering projects.


• Professional development and advanced training opportunities.


• Be part of a leading innovator in specialized industrial equipment manufacturing, located in Polokwane .


• Contribute to the development of world-class machinery.