Senior Mechanical Engineer - Manufacturing Equipment

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Equity participation

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and lead development of advanced manufacturing equipment. You will drive analyses, validate designs, and guide a multidisciplinary team to deliver reliable systems.

The role requires a Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in design and development, and strong CAD/FEA expertise. Participation in leadership, safety, and quality initiatives is expected.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in mechanical design and development in manufacturing/industrial context.
• Proven CAD and FEA expertise with SolidWorks/AutoCAD/Inventor and ANSYS/COMSOL.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Oversee lifecycle from concept to commissioning and support.
• Conduct stress, thermal, and vibration analyses with FEA tools.
• Create and review drawings, specs and BOMs.
• Collaborate with electrical, automation and production teams for integrated designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, guiding best practices.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA

Leadership

Project management

Engineering analysis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Inventor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected manufacturing organization, is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is critical in the design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced manufacturing equipment and machinery. The successful candidate will lead complex engineering projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that all mechanical systems meet rigorous performance, safety, and quality standards. We are seeking a candidate with a strong theoretical background complemented by extensive practical experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will be instrumental in driving technological advancements and maintaining our competitive edge through superior equipment design and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of mechanical projects, from concept generation to commissioning and ongoing support.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, using FEA software.
• Create and review detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs (Bill of Materials).
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, automation specialists, and production teams to ensure integrated system design.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues on the production floor and implement effective solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and safety regulations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in mechanical engineering and manufacturing.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and development, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial equipment context.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• In-depth knowledge of materials science, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration is highly desirable.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

This senior role comes with a highly competitive salary and an executive benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, a generous pension fund, performance bonuses, and potential for equity participation. Our client offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including access to advanced training, international conferences, and leadership development programs. The position is based in the scenic and innovative region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , providing an excellent work-life balance. You will work with a highly skilled team, state-of-the-art facilities, and challenging, impactful projects. Ample parking and convenient access to local amenities are provided.