Mechanical Design Engineer Armoured Vehicles

Our client, a leading South African defence engineering company, is looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Armoured Vehicle Engineering team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design, development, integration, and industrialisation of world-class armoured vehicle systems. You will play a key role in delivering innovative mobility and survivability solutions for defence and specialised vehicle programmes from concept through to production.

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Development

• Design mechanical systems, structures, and components for armoured vehicles.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed manufacturing drawings, and technical documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations and design analysis.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and military standards.
• Participate in concept development, feasibility studies, and detailed design reviews.

Vehicle Integration

• Integrate mechanical systems including driveline, suspension, armour, hull structures, crew ergonomics, and mission equipment.
• Coordinate with electrical and systems engineering teams to ensure successful subsystem integration.
• Resolve packaging, interface, and installation challenges.

Product Development

• Support the complete product development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Participate in prototype builds, testing, validation, and design verification.
• Implement engineering changes and continuous product improvements.
• Capture lessons learned and update technical documentation.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide technical support during prototype and production builds.
• Resolve manufacturing and assembly issues.
• Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding technical requirements and component development.

Verification & Testing

• Support vehicle testing and evaluation activities.
• Analyse test results and implement design improvements.
• Ensure engineering solutions meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

Documentation & Compliance

• Produce engineering reports, Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, and design documentation.
• Maintain engineering configuration and revision control.
• Support design reviews and customer technical presentations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Registration with ECSA (or working towards registration) will be advantageous.

Experience

• Experience in mechanical design engineering.
• Experience within the defence, military vehicle, heavy vehicle, automotive, or specialised vehicle industry.
• Experience in armoured vehicle design will be highly advantageous.
• Experience across the complete product development lifecycle.
• Exposure to Systems Engineering principles is advantageous.