Hands-On Mechanical Engineer

About the role

A hands-on mechanical engineer is sought to lead the design, fabrication, assembly and testing of industrial process machinery such as heavy-duty hoppers, bagging scales, milling machines, conveyors and automated material handling equipment. This is not a desk-only managerial role: you will split your time between the CAD station and the shop floor, making 3D models and manufacturing drawings, then welding, machining and assembling alongside the fabrication team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop full 3D assembly models, sheet metal flat patterns, structural frame layouts and manufacturing blueprints using CAD software (SolidWorks / Autodesk Inventor).
• Perform heavy cutting, fitting, MIG/TIG welding and precision machining (lathe/milling) for prototypes, custom linkages and structural assemblies.
• Lead from the front by building alongside the fabrication team, demonstrating techniques and troubleshooting mechanical fitment issues on site, including welding, cutting, grinding and painting.
• Design and fit mechanical actuation systems such as slide gates, clamshell valves, bearing housings, pneumatic cylinders and linear drives.
• Ensure tight tolerances, structural rigidity, smooth mechanism travel and dust-tight seal integrity on all completed builds.

Required profile

• Degree or higher diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or Agricultural/Industrial Engineering.
• At least 3 years of direct shop-floor fabrication experience.
• Strong physical stamina, a proactive mindset and a genuine passion for building machinery with their own hands.

Required skills

• Advanced parametric 3D modelling, sheet metal unfolding, weldments and BOM generation in SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor.
• MIG/TIG welding, structural steel fitting, plate layout and CNC machine tools (lathe, mill, plasma).
• Power transmission (sprockets, chains, gearboxes, bearings) and pneumatic circuits (solenoids, cylinders, regulators).