JOB SPECIFICATION - ACTIVE VACANCY
Overview of Role
Lesira-Teq is a South African smart metering and technology business operating at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, IoT and digital solutions. As the organisation evolves its integrated hardware and software capabilities, we are strengthening the leadership and specialist talent needed to scale responsibly, deepen customer value and compete in increasingly technology-driven markets. We offer the opportunity to contribute to a business combining engineering, manufacturing, digital capability and commercial innovation in support of smarter utility solutions.
Job purpose
The Lead Mechanical Engineer will lead the mechanical design and development of smart metering devices, with a focus on fluid dynamics, valve integrity, casing durability, environmental sealing and injection moulding tooling. The role will ensure that mechanical components meet product performance, durability, manufacturability and cost requirements while supporting innovation, product certification and efficient project delivery.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop robust mechanical enclosures, valve mechanisms and fluid flow systems, ensuring seamless integration with electronic components and accurate metrology flow.
- Lead mechanical design optimisation for high-volume plastic injection moulding, ensuring manufacturability, product reliability and cost efficiency.
- Select and evaluate polymers and metals based on UV resistance, flame retardancy, durability, environmental conditions and commercial cost targets.
- Collaborate with tooling manufacturers, coordinate tooling development and manage First Article Inspections (FAI).
- Develop, assemble and validate functional prototypes using SLA/FDM 3D printing technologies.
- Design and implement environmental sealing solutions to achieve IP67/IP68 ingress protection requirements.
- Support product certification, mechanical testing and compliance with applicable IP/IK ratings and thermal stability requirements.
- Identify and implement design improvements to enhance product performance, manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness.
- Drive mechanical engineering project delivery, ensuring adherence to project timelines, technical specifications and quality requirements.
- Develop and maintain engineering drawings, technical specifications, process documentation and manufacturing work instructions.
- Support strategic product development targets and identify opportunities for product cost reduction.
- Maintain relevant R&D manufacturer and supplier information and collaborate with internal and external technical stakeholders.
Qualification
- BEng or BSc Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics, or a relevant BTech qualification.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in mechanical product design, specifically involving injection-moulded plastics.
- Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly SolidWorks or Creo, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Strong knowledge of polymer material selection, including UV resistance, UL94 flame-retardancy requirements and material durability.
- Demonstrated expertise in mechanical enclosure design, fluid dynamics, valve mechanisms and design for manufacturing (DFM).
- Practical experience in rapid prototyping, 3D printing and mechanical product assembly.
- Understanding of injection moulding tooling, manufacturing processes and First Article Inspections.
- Knowledge of environmental sealing, IP67/IP68 ingress protection and product testing requirements.
Personal Characteristics
- Strong technical expertise and innovative mechanical design capability.
- Excellent analytical thinking, spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Practical, hands-on approach to prototyping and product development.
- Strong attention to detail, product quality and technical accuracy.
- Ability to balance engineering performance, manufacturability and commercial cost considerations.
- Effective project planning, technical documentation and delivery management.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.