Senior Mechanical Development Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Employee discount

International travel

R&D facilities access

Retirement savings plan

Dynamic work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Development Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng, to lead the mechanical design and development of next‑generation consumer electronics. You will create detailed CAD models, perform analyses, and collaborate with design, electrical, and software teams to ensure manufacturability and performance.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years of experience, and hands-on expertise with CAD/PLM tools, DFMA, and high-volume production support

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• ≥6 years in mechanical design and product development for consumer electronics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER) and PDM/PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of new consumer electronics products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform tolerance stack-up, stress and thermal analyses.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

FEA

Thermal analysis

DFMA

Product development

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Pro/ENGINEER

PDM/PLM

Job description

About the Role Our client, a progressive company at the forefront of consumer electronics innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Development Engineer to join their R&D team in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This role is dedicated to the development and refinement of innovative mechanical designs for next-generation electronic products. You will be involved in the entire product development cycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and mass production support. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, expertise in CAD/CAM tools, and a proven ability to solve complex design challenges. This position requires your dedicated presence at our **Benoni** facility to ensure close collaboration with design, testing, and manufacturing teams. You will contribute to shaping cutting-edge products that meet demanding performance, aesthetic, and cost targets. Your role will be crucial in driving the successful launch of new products and maintaining our client's competitive edge in the fast-paced consumer electronics market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new consumer electronic products.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and high-quality 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including tolerance stack-up, stress analysis, and thermal management simulations.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and software developers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for mechanical components and sub-assemblies.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for high-volume production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues during development and production phases.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables for mechanical engineering aspects.Stay abreast of emerging technologies and materials relevant to consumer electronics.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior members of the engineering team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mechanical design and product development, with a focus on consumer electronics.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Proficiency in performing engineering simulations (FEA, thermal analysis).
• Strong understanding of materials, plastics, tooling, and manufacturing processes relevant to electronics.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) principles.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous employee discount on company products.
• Opportunities for international travel to manufacturing sites.
• Access to advanced R&D facilities and equipment.
• A dynamic and innovative work culture.
• Retirement savings plan.