Johannesburg: Senior Mechanical Design Draughtsman / Project Manager posted by Mecad Systems

About the Role

Mecad Systems is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Draughtsman / Project Manager to join our team in Johannesburg. This hybrid role combines technical and operational expertise, requiring a strong candidate who can bridge the gap between engineering design and site execution. The ideal candidate will have a passion for growth and taking on full project ownership and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design & Drating
• Develop detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Design and improve: dredging equipment, booster pump systems, associated mechanical equipment and components, and assist in standardizing and modularizing equipment designs into Design Libraries.
• Work with the technical team to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-efficiency, improving durability and ease of maintenance.
• Generate: General Arrangement (GA) drawings, fabrication drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Support workshop and manufacturing teams with technical queries.

Plant Layouts & Project Engineering

• Develop plant layouts and system integration drawings for projects.
• Assist in planning: equipment positioning, pipe routing, site flow and operational layouts.
• Work closely with: sales team (concept development), operations team (practical implementation).

Project Management (Development Role)

The candidate will progressively take ownership of projects, including:

• Project Handover & Planning
• Receive and review project handover from Sales.
• Understand: scope of work, client requirements, site conditions and constraints, develop project execution plans.
• Site Establishment & Logistics
• Coordinate: equipment logistics and transport to site, site establishment and setup.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to ensure readiness.
• Health & Safety Coordination
• Work with Health & Safety Officers to compile and manage H&S files, ensure all compliance requirements are met before site entry.
• Assist in onboarding teams onto site.
• Client & Site Coordination
• Act as a point of contact between: head office, site teams, clients.
• Ensure smooth communication and alignment.
• Execution & Monitoring
• Track project progress against timeline, budget, deliverables, identify and resolve issues proactively.
• Ensure projects are delivered: on time, within budget, to required quality standards.

General & Ad Hoc Responsibilities

• Assist the General Manager with additional operational or technical tasks.
• Contribute to: continuous improvement initiatives, process development within the business.
• Support both engineering and operations teams where required.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to project sites (local and potentially regional).
• Majority of project management will be coordinated from Head Office.

Minimum Requirements

### Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in mechanical design/draughting.
• Proven experience in: heavy mechanical equipment, fabrication and manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to site work or project environments is highly advantageous.

### Technical Skills

• SolidWorks proficiency (We do offer SolidWorks courses and refresher courses if required).
• Strong understanding of: mechanical systems, fabrication processes, materials and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to interpret and produce: technical drawings, layouts, Bill of Materials (BOMs).

### Project Management Skills (or Interest)

• Strong desire to move into project management.
• Good understanding of: project workflows, planning and coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Key Competencies

* Hands-on & practical mindset

* Strong problem-solving ability

* High attention to detail

* Good communication skills (client-facing)

* Ability to take ownership and accountability

* Strong organizational and planning skills

* Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines