109 Mechanical Design Trainee jobs in South Africa

Are you an experienced mechanical engineer with a background in heavy or dry industries – such as maize, grain, or mining – and looking for a new challenge in the Netherlands?

We're looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join an innovative engineering team working on large-scale industrial and materials-handling projects.

About the role

In this position, you'll take ownership of mechanical design and project execution across multiple industrial environments. You will lead the full engineering cycle – from concept and design through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.

Projects often involve conveyor systems, bulk materials handling, plant upgrades, and mechanical infrastructure in dry industrial environments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design of mechanical systems and installations for industrial and process plants
• Conduct design calculations, layouts, and FEA analyses
• Prepare and review 3D models and technical documentation (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including structural, civil, and electrical engineers
• Supervise contractors and ensure quality, safety, and efficiency on-site
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in design processes

Your profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng or equivalent)
• Experience in mechanical design and project engineering within dry or heavy industries (e.g. maize, mining, power, or manufacturing plants)
• Strong knowledge of bulk material handling systems, conveyors, ducting, and process plant equipment
• Skilled in AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, SmartPlant, and MS Projects
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English (Dutch is an advantage)

What's in it for you

• A secure 2-year contract, with the perspective of a permanent role.
• Full relocation support, from housing to paperwork.
• 25 paid holidays, plus optional ADV days.
• Public holidays and 8.33% holiday allowance (above market standard).
• Overtime and shift allowances according to Dutch law.
• A safe, international work environment with passionate colleagues.
• The opportunity to build a stable life and career in the Netherlands.

Rolls-Royce Solutions South Africa (Pty) Ltd currently has a vacant position for a Mechanical Design Engineer who will be based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Job Description:

You will be responsible for carrying out a variety of engineering duties including but not limited to designing, costing, quality control and project management of various repower and other projects. You will collaborate with the project management, stakeholders and production teams both internal and external on various design projects, using in-depth knowledge of the latest design trends and engineering software to lead the way. In addition to being a good communicator, you will be required to be a creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.

Objective of Job

To provide the following:

• Engineering, design and documentation of repower solutions Industrial and Mining applications.
• Project execution including project management in components, assemble procedural manuals, safety requirements and maintenance task specifications.
• Support the Industrial and Mining team and account managers within the business in delivering technical presentations and technical expertise.
• Clear understanding of the available products within the market and the ability to design quality and cost-effective solutions around RRPS products.
• Maintain knowledge of products, technologies and policies.
• Maintain a database of repower solutions with performance data.
• Project tracking and reporting on a regular basis to your Immediate manager, Project manager, Heads of Industrial and Engineering.
• Research and draft blueprints, engineering plans and graphics.
• Identify solutions to improve production and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate with other engineers, management, finance, SHEQ, logistics, sales engineers and account managers.
• Complete quality and quantity checks on all parts received for repower and other projects with assistance from the logistics team.
• Compile lessons learned checklist from previous designs done on repower and other projects and ensure that they are implemented on future projects.
• You will achieve your objectives and still adhere to the Company SHEQ Policies and Procedures and the Rolls-Royce Global Code of Conduct.

Requirements

• B.Eng. (Mechanical) or B.Sc. (Mechanical) degree.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role (engineered solutions design).
• Proficient in MS Office and 3D mechanical design software (SolidWorks, ptc Creo, etc) design software (a must).
• General understanding of the mining and industrial market segment especially Southern Africa region and its regulations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Travel to customers and sites for installation, commissioning and sign off on the solutions installed.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Accurate and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation and customer service skills

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please email your CV with relevant qualifications to

by
17 October 2025

Diesel Electric Services is a turnkey energy solutions company with a 30 year track record in the industry. The company designs, builds, installs and commissions a wide variety of power generation and energy products. The company serves a wide range of industries, from telecommunications to mining. Please visit the company website to get a better understanding of the nature of products and solutions offered. The company requires the services of a mechanical design engineer, on a full time, on site (JHB) basis.

The purpose of the role is to design mechanical equipment and systems for small to medium scale power generation plant and energy systems. These include basic structures, ventilation, cooling, vibration, fuel storage and transfer, and complex heat recovery and control. The candidate will work independently as well as be expected to work within a design team (draughting, electrical, C&I) and a greater project team (production, installation, commissioning). The candidate will be expected to complete and document engineering calculations, interpret specifications and data sheets, generate design documentation, select equipment, compile systems, check drawings and support all company departments on technical matters.

The position is at the company premises. Occasional travel is required and own transport is necessary.

The candidate will report to the Mechanical Engineering Manager.

Qualification:

BSc Engineering or BEng, mechanical.

Experience:

5 years minimum.

Experience in a design environment involving cooling, ventilation, fluid/heat transfer is beneficial.

Experience in FEA and CFD is beneficial.

Skills:

Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Attributes:

Able to work with little/no supervision.

Self-motivated.

Able to work under pressure.

Ability to balance high demand and requests from various departments.

Ability to adjust to change in schedules with little notice.

Effective time management skills and the ability to multitask.

Remuneration:

Market related.

Develop, supervise, coordinate and participate in sales aimed at growth

Research and development alongside Design and draughting

Research and development of products on Solid Edge

Key account management for certain clients

Cost estimation and quoting

Mechanical Engineer degree or similar with 5 years exp

Solid Edge proficient

Sheet metal (3D CAD) and mechanical drawing exp.

(only shortlisted candidates will be contacted)

Between 5 - 7 Years

VACANCY: Mechanical Design Engineer

AREA: Roodepoort; Gauteng

APPLY:

Requirements:

·   Minimum of 5 years' relevant design experience.

·   EPCM project exposure essential.

·   Mine site and materials handling experience advantageous.

·   Strong mechanical systems design knowledge (conveyors, crushers, etc.).

·   Proficiency in plant equipment layouts (pumps, tanks, compressors, buildings, etc.).

·   3D modelling expertise in AutoCAD 2D/3D, Inventor, and Navisworks.

·   In-depth knowledge of ISO, ASME, SANS, and drafting standards.

·   Develop complex 3D models and detailed 2D drawings for plant equipment, layouts, civil/structural elements, and material handling components.

·   Prepare mechanical equipment, piping, and plant layout designs.

·   Ensure designs comply with industry codes (ASME, ISO, SANS) and client specifications.

·   Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure integrated, fit-for-purpose solutions.

·   Produce and manage design deliverables including GA drawings, BOMs, isometrics, and fabrication drawings.

The suitable candidate will bring a minimum of
7 years' proven experience in the design of Building Services
, with a strong technical background and a track record of delivering high-quality engineering solutions across a range of projects. Prior exposure to
data centres and pharmaceutical facilities
is highly desirable, as these sectors demand exceptional attention to detail, precision, and compliance with rigorous standards.

The Successful Candidate Will Be Expected To Demonstrate Proficiency And Confidence In Conducting Design Reviews Across All Core Mechanical Services, Including But Not Limited To

• Chilled Water Systems
• Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) Systems
• Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems
• Steam Distribution Systems
• Compressed Air Systems

This requires a comprehensive understanding of system integration, coordination with other building services disciplines, and the ability to identify and resolve technical risks or design conflicts at an early stage.

In addition to strong technical expertise, familiarity with
design software tools
is essential. Experience with
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
modelling is particularly advantageous, as it supports the assessment of airflow, thermal performance, and overall system optimisation. Proficiency in other relevant design platforms and software packages will also be considered an asset.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following Attributes

• Excellent technical knowledge across a wide range of mechanical building services.
• Demonstrated experience in complex and high-specification environments, particularly data centres and pharmaceutical projects.
• Strong capability in reviewing and approving design documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and to liaise professionally with clients, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, with a methodical and quality-focused approach.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, both written and verbal.
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude with a commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.

Experience mentoring junior engineers and contributing to knowledge-sharing within a team will be considered advantageous.