Senior Mechanical Designer (Sheet Metal & Fabrication)

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance seeks a hands-on Senior Mechanical Designer to join our engineering team in Gauteng. You will develop manufacturing-ready designs for industrial equipment, sheet metal components and fabricated assemblies, using SolidWorks and collaborating with engineers, workshop teams and clients from concept to commissioning.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of relevant experience, advanced SolidWorks skills, and a strong grasp of fabrication processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' relevant mechanical design experience.
• Advanced SolidWorks proficiency – essential.
• Proven experience in sheet metal design and fabrication.
• Portfolio demonstrating completed design projects.
• Experience designing fabricated steel structures, sheet metal assemblies and mechanical equipment.
• Good understanding of fabrication processes: Laser cutting, Bending, Welding, Machining, Assembly.
• Mechanical/structural design experience advantageous.
• Ability to conduct site measurements and provide technical support during installation and commissioning.
• Experience in multidisciplinary engineering project teams.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements and develop manufacturing solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop concept, preliminary and detailed mechanical designs for industrial equipment and fabricated assemblies.
• Design sheet metal components, enclosures, skids, support structures and mechanical assemblies.
• Produce accurate, manufacturing-ready fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Liaise with engineers, project managers, workshop personnel, suppliers and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct site visits and measurements to support design development and project execution.
• Provide technical support during fabrication, installation and commissioning.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate engineering and client requirements into final designs.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable engineering standards, specifications and project requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawing registers and technical documentation.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification.
• Identify design improvements that enhance manufacturability, functionality, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage multiple design priorities while maintaining focus on overall project objectives and deliverables.

Skills

Advanced SolidWorks

Sheet metal design

Fabrication knowledge

Site measurements

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Drawing accuracy

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to join our engineering team and play a key role in the design and development of industrial equipment, fabricated assemblies, sheet metal components and mechanical structures. This opportunity is ideal for a highly capable and detail-oriented designer with 5+ years of relevant experience and advanced SolidWorks proficiency. The successful candidate will have strong practical knowledge of sheet metal design and fabrication, with additional experience in mechanical and/or structural design considered a significant advantage. You will work closely with engineers, project managers, workshop teams and clients to develop practical, cost-effective and manufacturing-ready engineering solutions from concept through to fabrication, installation and commissioning.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' relevant mechanical design experience.
• Advanced SolidWorks proficiency – essential.
• Proven experience in sheet metal design and fabrication.
• Portfolio demonstrating completed design projects.
• Experience designing fabricated steel structures, sheet metal assemblies and mechanical equipment.
• Good understanding of fabrication processes, including:
  • Laser cutting
  • Bending
  • Welding
  • Machining
  • Assembly
• Mechanical and/or structural design experience will be advantageous.
• Ability to conduct site measurements and provide technical support during installation and commissioning.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering project teams.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements and develop practical manufacturing solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop concept, preliminary and detailed mechanical designs for industrial equipment and fabricated assemblies.
• Design sheet metal components, enclosures, skids, support structures and mechanical assemblies.
• Produce accurate, manufacturing-ready fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Liaise with engineers, project managers, workshop personnel, suppliers and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct site visits and measurements to support design development and project execution.
• Provide technical support during fabrication, installation and commissioning.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate engineering and client requirements into final designs.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable engineering standards, specifications and project requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawing registers and technical documentation.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification.
• Identify design improvements that enhance manufacturability, functionality, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage multiple design priorities while maintaining focus on overall project objectives and deliverables.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced SolidWorks capability.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal design principles.
• Practical knowledge of steel fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and drawing accuracy.
• Strong spatial and mechanical design ability.
• Ability to translate concepts into practical, manufacturable designs.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• A strong understanding of the relationship between design, fabrication, installation and commissioning.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on, self-motivated Senior Mechanical Designer who understands that successful engineering design goes beyond producing drawings. You should be comfortable engaging with the workshop and site teams, understanding fabrication constraints and delivering designs that are practical, efficient and fit for purpose. If you are passionate about mechanical design, enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and have a strong background in SolidWorks, sheet metal and fabrication, we would like to hear from you.