Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Thermal Management

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Growth opportunities

Comprehensive health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in thermal management for its Nelspruit, Mpumalanga facility. You will design and optimize thermal solutions for complex electronic and mechanical systems to ensure reliable operation.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling (SolidWorks/In Inventor), thermal simulations (ANSYS Icepak, COMSOL), and collaborating with electrical, product and manufacturing teams to integrate thermal solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; master's preferred.
• 6+ years in mechanical design with emphasis on thermal management.
• Proficient in CAD and thermal simulation tools.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation).
• Experience with thermal testing equipment and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal management solutions (heat sinks, cooling systems).
• Create detailed CAD models for thermal components.
• Perform thermal analyses to optimize cooling performance.
• Collaborate with electrical, product, and manufacturing teams.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for thermal parts.
• Develop and execute thermal testing protocols.
• Ensure designs meet specifications and reliability standards.
• Troubleshoot thermal issues in prototypes and production units.
• Prepare design reports, test plans, and manufacturing guidelines.
• Stay updated on emerging thermal management technologies.

Skills

Thermal management

CAD software – SolidWorks

CAD software – Inventor

FEA for thermal analysis

Heat transfer theory

Project collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS Icepak

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leader in advanced electronics and systems, seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in thermal management for their facility in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**. This role involves the design and optimization of thermal solutions for complex electronic and mechanical systems, ensuring optimal operating temperatures and reliability. You will work in a state-of-the R&D environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers. This position requires a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of heat transfer principles, working primarily within the office premises.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative thermal management solutions, including heat sinks, liquid cooling systems, and thermal interface materials.
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed mechanical designs and assemblies for thermal components.
• Perform thermal analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, COMSOL) to predict temperature distributions and optimize cooling performance.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing teams to integrate thermal solutions into final products.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes for thermal management systems.
• Develop and execute thermal testing protocols, analyze results, and iterate on designs to meet performance targets.
• Ensure thermal designs comply with product specifications, industry standards, and reliability requirements.
• Troubleshoot thermal issues in prototypes and production units, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and manufacturing guidelines.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in thermal management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a strong focus on thermal management of electronic or mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and extensive experience with thermal simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation) and their application.
• Experience with thermal testing equipment and methodologies.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes relevant to thermal components.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork in an office setting.
• Ability to manage design projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively.
• Must be willing and able to work on-site in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement fund, and generous paid time off.
• We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of thermal management and advanced electronics.