Senior Product Design Engineer

Pro Talent; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Pro Talent in Durban, South Africa, seeks a Senior Product Design Engineer to drive concept-to-production for hygienic, cost-effective solutions. You will lead sections of new product development and validate major sub-assemblies through data-driven design.

Extensive prototyping, DFM principles, and collaboration with contract manufacturers are essential. You will develop detailed specs, support field testing, and help establish the design team's processes in a fast-paced, hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years taking a physical product from concept through production.
• Ownership of a product or major sub-assembly from concept to manufacturing.
• Strong experience designing mechanical systems with clear rationale.
• Expertise in Mechanical Design.
• Develop innovative, cost-effective and user-friendly product solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead sections of new product development from concept to manufacturing.
• Oversee design, development, testing, validation and performance analysis of major sub-assemblies.
• Develop detailed product specifications rooted in research and data.
• Prototype extensively from proof-of-concept to high-fidelity models.
• Design with end user in mind to maximize usability and satisfaction.
• Apply DFM principles to select materials and processes for cost/volume targets.
• Collaborate with outsourced contract manufacturers on manufacturability and cost.
• Develop standardized testing procedures to validate components and quality.
• Investigate field failures, identify root causes, and integrate learnings.
• Manage change control for product specifications and documentation.
• Develop and maintain product manuals; provide remote and on-site support.
• Help establish the design and engineering team’s ways of working.
• Work with commercial, operations, and field teams to ensure end-to-end performance.

Skills

Mechanical design

Product development

Prototyping

DFM knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in sustainable sanitation solutions, is expanding their innovative engineering team to meet the growing global demand for hygienic systems. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Senior Product Design Engineer to drive impactful product development efforts from concept to production, ensuring the delivery of user-centric and cost-effective solutions.

Duties:

• Lead key sections of new product development, overseeing the entire lifecycle from initial concept to manufacturing.

• Contribute to making decisions that are consistent across multiple product configurations.

• Manage the design, development, testing, validation, and performance analysis of major sub-assemblies, including BOMs and COGS.

• Develop detailed product specifications rooted in research and data, refining requirements throughout the project.

• Prototype extensively, from quick proof-of-concept builds to high-fidelity models.

• Design with the end user in mind, ensuring each decision enhances usability and user satisfaction.

• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to select optimal materials and manufacturing processes aligned with volume, cost, and quality targets.

• Collaborate with outsourced contract manufacturers, understanding and influencing manufacturability and cost implications.

• Develop standardised testing procedures to validate new components and maintain supply chain quality.

• Investigate field failures, identify root causes, and integrate learnings into future designs.

• Manage change control for product specifications, updates, and documentation.

• Develop and maintain product manuals and provide technical support to customers, both remotely and on-site.

• Play a pivotal role in establishing the design and engineering team’s ways of working and foundational processes.

• Work collaboratively across commercial, operations, and field teams to ensure seamless product performance end-to-end.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in taking a physical product from early concept through to production within a small team environment.

• Proven ownership of a product or major sub-assembly from concept to manufacturing.

• Strong experience designing mechanical systems with clear decision rationale.

• Expertise in Mechanical Design.

• Ability to develop innovative, cost-effective, and user-friendly product solutions.

Familiarity with the following is advantageous:

• Experience working in manufacturing, design, engineering, management, or sanitary ware industries.

What We'll Give You:

• An opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven company committed to improving global sanitation.

• A collaborative hybrid work environment based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

• Flexibility to negotiate a competitive salary package.

• The chance to influence a growing product portfolio and shape innovative solutions that make a real difference.

If you are driven to create meaningful impact through innovative product design and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting, we invite you to join this mission-led organization. Take the next step in your career and contribute to transforming sanitation technology for a better world.