Mechanical Design Engineer Armoured Vehicles

About the role

Our client, a leading South African defence engineering company, is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Armoured Vehicle Engineering team. You will develop robust mechanical designs for armoured vehicles and subsystems, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, military standards and manufacturability.

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.
• Vehicle Integration – integrate mechanical systems such as driveline, suspension, armour, hull structures and crew ergonomics; coordinate with electrical and systems teams; resolve packaging, interface and installation challenges.
• Product Development – support the full product development lifecycle from concept through production; participate in prototype builds, testing, validation and design verification; implement engineering changes and continuous improvements.
• Manufacturing Support – provide technical assistance during prototype and production builds; resolve manufacturing and assembly issues; ensure designs are practical, manufacturable and cost‑effective; liaise with suppliers on technical requirements.
• Verification & Testing – support vehicle testing and evaluation; analyse test results and apply design improvements; ensure performance, reliability and safety requirements are met.
• Documentation & Compliance – produce engineering reports, Bills of Materials, specifications and design documentation; maintain configuration and revision control; support design reviews and customer presentations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Registration with ECSA (or working towards registration) – advantageous.
• Proven experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably within defence, military or heavy‑vehicle sectors.
• Experience in armoured vehicle design is highly advantageous.
• Exposure to the complete product development lifecycle and Systems Engineering principles.

Required skills

• 3D CAD modelling.
• Creation of detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Engineering calculations and design analysis.
• Preparation of Bills of Materials and technical documentation.