Senior Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Training opportunities

Stellenbosch location

Job summary

Placements24 represents a Stellenbosch-based client seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on product development. You will lead the end-to-end mechanical design of new products, from concept through to market launch, emphasizing design excellence, functionality, and manufacturability.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years in product development, proficiency in Creo or SolidWorks and FEA tools, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years in product development and mechanical design.
• Expertise with Creo and SolidWorks and FEA analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC), and DFM.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new products from concept to launch.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and technical specs using CAD.
• Perform performance, stress, and thermal analyses using simulation tools.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure production-readiness and cost targets.
• Oversee prototype development and testing, iterating based on results.
• Mentor junior engineers within the product development cycle.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project leadership

Communication

DFM

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in Product Development to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch . In this role, you will be instrumental in bringing new products from concept to market, focusing on design excellence, functionality, and manufacturability. You will collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure that products meet customer needs and business objectives. This position offers a stimulating environment for engineers passionate about creating impactful, high-quality products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new products, from initial ideation through to commercial launch.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and technical specifications using CAD software.
• Conduct rigorous performance, stress, and thermal analysis using simulation tools to optimize designs.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are production-ready, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
• Oversee prototype development and testing, iterating on designs based on test results and feedback.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff within the product development cycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development and mechanical design.
• Expertise in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo , SolidWorks) and FEA analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC machining), and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and testing facilities.
• A creative and collaborative work environment focused on innovation and market leadership.