Senior Mechanical Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and life insurance

Pension fund contributions

Professional development

Access to design and simulation tools

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to design, develop and optimize mechanical systems for industrial machinery.

You will lead design projects, perform analyses, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions, while ensuring compliance with standards and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• At least 6 years of progressive mechanical design experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and FEA software.
• Strong knowledge of dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, and casting processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for industrial machinery.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA.
• Create detailed drawings and BOMs for manufacturing.
• Oversee manufacturing/assembly ensuring design integrity.
• Troubleshoot design issues during production.
• Lead design optimizations for performance and cost.
• Research new materials and technologies to enhance design.
• Support project planning and scheduling for engineering projects.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and design staff.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA analysis

Project management

Mentorship

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the design and manufacturing of specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a highly competent Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This pivotal role involves the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems and components for industrial equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials science, and advanced manufacturing techniques. You will lead design projects, conduct detailed analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver state-of-the‑art machinery solutions. This position offers the chance to work on challenging projects with significant impact, contributing to the technological advancement of the industrial sector. The role demands strong analytical skills, creativity, and a commitment to engineering excellence in a hands‑on environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new mechanical systems and components for industrial machinery, utilizing CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Conduct stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with production teams to oversee the manufacturing and assembly process, ensuring adherence to design specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues that arise during manufacturing or in the field.
• Optimize existing machine designs for improved performance, efficiency, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Research and evaluate new materials and technologies to enhance product design and capabilities.
• Participate in project planning, cost estimation, and timeline management for engineering projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, preferably in industrial machinery or equipment manufacturing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, including dynamics, kinematics, statics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with materials science and selection for various industrial applications.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, and casting.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives.
• Familiarity with PLC and automation controls is a plus.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contributions and performance incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced engineering training.
• Access to cutting‑edge design and simulation tools.
• A dynamic role with significant impact on industrial innovation in Nelspruit .
• Relocation assistance may be considered for highly qualified candidates.