Mechanical Design Engineer (CAD)

SUMMARY:

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer (CAD)
Location: Muizenberg - Western Cape 
Industry: Water Treatment | Engineering | Wastewater
Type:  Permanent   / Environment: Fast-paced, dynamic, engineering-driven

About the Role
Our client, a leader in sustainable water and wastewater treatment solutions, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer (CAD) to join their growing and fast-paced engineering team. Based at the Muizenberg head office, this role is ideal for a skilled mid-level mechanical design professional who is eager to grow into a Design Lead position and eventually take ownership of design workflows, standards, and coordination. You will support and participate in the development of P&IDs, detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly layouts, and site general arrangement drawings. This includes mechanical detailing, 3D modelling, equipment integration, document control, and close collaboration with both process and mechanical engineers. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-orientated, and excited about advancing their career within a highly specialized engineering design environment.

POSITION INFO:
What you’ll be doing

• Produce detailed mechanical manufacturing drawings, including steel fabrication, piping layouts, and component-level drawings.
• Develop accurate and clear Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Create full plant assembly drawings, including mechanical, structural, and piping integration.
• Develop site general arrangement (GA) drawings for installation and layout planning.
• Prepare 3D models and assemblies using Autodesk Inventor.
• Support process and mechanical engineers with design inputs, equipment selection, and plant layout improvements.
• Ensure all drawings comply with internal standards and project requirements.
• Coordinate with fabrication contractors and review shop drawings.
• Maintain drawing accuracy, revision tracking, and documentation standards.
• Contribute to design libraries, BOM creation, and standardized drawing templates.
• Assist in organizing design workflows, priorities, and review cycles.
• Provide mentorship to junior drafters and designers as needed.
• Support the Engineering Manager in establishing and maintaining best design practices.
• Represent the design function during internal project meetings when required.

• Bachelor’s Degree (BEng/BSc) or National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3 – 5 years’ mechanical design and detailing experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience producing fabrication drawings (steel structures, skids, frames, vessels, piping).
• Strong understanding of piping systems, process design principles, and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience with water treatment process design, modular plant design, or packaged systems (advantageous).
• Exposure to containerized systems, modular steel fabrication, or industrial plant layout development (beneficial).
• Understanding of equipment integration for process plants (advantageous).
• Strong communication skills (written & verbal).
• Valid driver’s license (occasional travel required).
• South African citizen or legally eligible to work in South Africa.

• Competitive and negotiable salary: R40 000 – R60 000 per month, based on experience.
• Opportunity to work in a mission-driven, sustainability-focused engineering environment.
• Exposure to specialized mechanical and process design in the water treatment sector.
• Professional growth pathway into a Design Lead position as part of the department’s succession plan.
• A dynamic, fast-paced design environment suited to engineers who enjoy technical depth and responsibility.

• Occasional travel to fabrication facilities or project sites may be required (not frequent).
• This role requires someone who enjoys detailed design work and collaboration across engineering disciplines.
• The environment is fast-paced and requires accuracy, initiative, and strong organizational skills.