Senior Mechanical Engineer - Mechatronics Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & provident fund

Generous leave

Training & development

Laboratory access

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, invites a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a mechatronics focus to lead design and integration of advanced robotic systems for industrial use.

You will design with CAD, perform FEA, collaborate with electrical and software teams, and drive prototyping, testing, and documentation while ensuring safety and standards compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a mechatronics specialization.
• At least 7 years of engineering experience with emphasis on mechatronic system design.
• Strong 3D CAD and FEA experience.
• Hands-on with sensors, motors, gearboxes and control integration.
• Knowledge of kinematics, dynamics and control theory.
• Experience in product development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Excellent problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and cross-functional teamwork.
• Python scripting for testing is a plus.
• Legal right to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechatronic systems and robotic components.
• Use SolidWorks or Inventor for modeling, simulation, and drafting.
• Perform stress, strain, vibration, and thermal analyses via FEA.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and software developers for system integration.
• Specify sensors, motors, and actuators for mechatronic applications.
• Oversee prototyping, assembly, testing, and validation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and integrated system issues.
• Develop design docs, test plans, and manuals.
• Contribute to design process improvements.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and safety regs.

Skills

Mechatronics design

Mechanical design

3D CAD

FEA

Sensors & Actuators

Control systems

Python scripting

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the field of advanced robotics and automation, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in mechatronics. This role is crucial for the design, development, and integration of sophisticated mechatronic systems used in industrial applications. You will work on challenging projects that combine mechanical engineering with electronics and control systems to create intelligent automated solutions. The position is based in the vibrant tech hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA , and requires a full-time, on-site commitment to foster close collaboration with the multidisciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical systems, actuators, and robotic components with an integrated understanding of electronic and control aspects.
• Utilize advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) for modeling, simulation, and drafting.
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis, including stress, strain, vibration, and thermal analysis using FEA tools.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers and software developers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Specify and select appropriate sensors, motors, and actuators for mechatronic applications.
• Oversee prototyping, assembly, testing, and validation of mechatronic systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and integrated system issues.
• Develop technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and product performance.
• Ensure designs adhere to relevant industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Mechatronics or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant engineering experience, with a significant focus on mechatronic system design.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software and FEA simulation tools.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, motors (e.g., stepper, servo), gearboxes, and control systems integration.
• Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control theory.
• Experience in product development lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for testing automation is a plus.
• Must have the legal right to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional development in robotics and automation.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory and testing facilities.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.