Senior Product Development Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer to lead the mechanical design of consumer electronics from concept to mass production. This hybrid role balances focused design work with in‑office collaboration for hardware integration in Randburg.

You will develop detailed 3D CAD models in SolidWorks or Creo, perform stress and thermal analyses, and collaborate with electrical, software, industrial design, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in product development with consumer electronics or similar electromechanical devices.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of new consumer electronic products from concept to mass production.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and product specifications.
• Perform stress, thermal, and tolerance analyses to ensure performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, industrial design and manufacturing teams.
• Oversee prototyping, testing and validation, and implement design improvements.
• Manage component sourcing and vendor relationships for manufacturability (DFM).
• Prepare technical documentation, design reviews, and project status reports.
• Troubleshoot design issues during development and production phases.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in consumer electronics and mechanical engineering.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

CAE analysis

Materials & plastics

Product development

Miniaturization

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced consumer electronics, is seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Engineer to join their innovative team in Randburg, Gauteng . This hybrid role allows for focused remote work on design and analysis, complemented by essential in-office collaboration for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and hardware integration in Randburg . You will play a key role in the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and concept development through to design validation, manufacturing transfer, and product launch. This position demands a blend of strong mechanical engineering expertise, creative problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills. You will work on next-generation products, contributing significantly to the company's market leadership. We are looking for a self-motivated individual passionate about bringing innovative products to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new consumer electronic products from concept to mass production.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and product specifications.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and tolerance analysis, to ensure product performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineering, software development, industrial design, and manufacturing teams.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation efforts, analyzing results and implementing design improvements.
• Manage component sourcing, vendor relationships, and ensure manufacturability of designs (DFM).
• Prepare technical documentation, design review materials, and project status reports.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues and provide solutions during product development and production phases.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in consumer electronics and mechanical engineering.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the product development team.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in product development, with a focus on consumer electronics or similar complex electromechanical devices.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and CAE tools for analysis.
• Strong understanding of materials, plastics, molding, and small-scale manufacturing processes.
• Experience with miniaturization techniques and designing for mass production.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, requiring presence at the Randburg office for critical team activities.
• Experience with shock, vibration, and environmental testing of consumer products.

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses. This hybrid role provides the flexibility of remote work for focused tasks while ensuring vital in-person collaboration at our Randburg facility. You will have opportunities for professional growth, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to work on market-leading products. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and personal development. Join our dynamic product development team and help shape the future of consumer electronics.