Mechanical Design Engineer

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NES027106/Wes

Date posted:

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Location:

Pinetown, South Africa

Salary:

650000 Annually

SUMMARY:

Senior Tool Designer (Dual Discipline)

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The difference between a good product and a great one is often invisible.
It's hidden in the precision of a mould.
The efficiency of a progressive die.
The countless design decisions made long before production ever begins.
If you're the type of Tool Designer who sees beyond CAD models and drawings—someone who understands manufacturing realities, anticipates production challenges, and designs tooling that performs flawlessly under pressure—then this opportunity was built for you.
Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Tool Designer to lead the design, development, and optimisation of precision tooling across both plastic injection moulding and metal press tooling environments. This is a strategic role for a professional who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and turning concepts into production-ready solutions.

POSITION INFO:
What You'll Be Responsible For Leading the full design and development lifecycle of precision tooling projects Creating detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings Designing single and multi-cavity injection moulds Developing complex progression and progressive die tooling solutions Creating strip layouts and forming sequences for metal press applications Conducting Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews Performing tooling validation and simulation activities Supporting tool build processes and resolving manufacturing challenges Managing tool modifications, revisions, and engineering change control Collaborating closely with toolmakers, engineers, and production teams Supporting tool trials, optimisation, and final sign-off processes What We're Looking For Minimum 5 years' experience in tooling design within a manufacturing or precision engineering environment Proven expertise in both injection mould tooling and metal press tool design Strong understanding of progression and progressive die design principles Advanced CAD\/CAM experience using Mastercam, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion, or similar platforms Sound knowledge of CNC machining, wire cutting, spark erosion, and conventional toolroom operations Excellent understanding of tool steels, heat treatment processes, and material behaviour Strong working knowledge of GD&T principles and engineering standards Experience incorporating standard tooling components and best-practice design methodologies Exceptional troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills Why This Opportunity Stands Out This is more than a design role. It's an opportunity to influence the entire manufacturing journey-from concept to production. You'll be trusted to drive tooling innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce production risks, and deliver solutions that directly impact quality, productivity, and business success. For the right individual, this role offers the chance to become a key technical leader within a growing engineering environment and build a career pathway toward Toolroom or Engineering Management. The best designers don't just create tooling. They create the foundations on which great manufacturing is built. Apply directly or contact: If you have not had any response in 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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