Technical Product Development & Process Engineer

Job Title:
Technical Product Development & Process Engineer

Location: Helderberg Area, Western Cape
Department: Design, Research & Development
Reports to: Head of R&D

Build the future of a unique manufacturing process

A technically curious and hands-on engineer or technical designer is sought to help drive product development and manufacturing innovation within the R&D team.

This is not a desk-only design role. The successful candidate will work directly with machinery, tooling, and production teams to turn design concepts into real, manufacturable products while continuously improving how things are made.

Working alongside the Head of R&D, the role will focus on solving complex technical challenges, developing tooling and prototypes, and introducing smarter processes that strengthen the business long-term.

This role suits someone who enjoys figuring things out, improving systems, and building practical solutions in a real manufacturing environment.

What the role involves Turning ideas into real products

The role plays a key part in developing new products and improving existing ones by translating design ideas into manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating and refining CAD models and technical drawings

• Developing jigs, moulds, and tooling required for production

• Building and testing prototypes

• Improving product designs to make them stronger, more efficient, and easier to manufacture

• Working closely with production teams to ensure designs perform in real-world manufacturing environments

Improving how things are made

The role also contributes to improving the manufacturing process itself. This includes:

• Identifying inefficiencies in production workflows

• Developing practical solutions to improve speed, quality, and consistency

• Troubleshooting technical issues affecting production

• Supporting optimisation of machinery and tooling

• Collaborating with production and maintenance teams to implement improvements

Turning technical knowledge into systems

An important objective of the role is converting valuable workshop knowledge into structured processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Capturing machine settings, tooling specifications, and process knowledge

• Maintaining organised technical drawings and documentation

• Supporting the development of systems that allow the manufacturing process to scale sustainably

What success looks like in this role

Within the first year the successful candidate is expected to:

• Contribute independently to product development projects

• Introduce meaningful process improvements

• Develop tooling or technical solutions used in production

• Capture technical knowledge into clear documentation and procedures

• Become a trusted technical partner within the R&D and production teams

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate is naturally curious, technically minded, and enjoys solving real-world problems. The role requires someone comfortable working independently while also collaborating with others to solve challenges.

Key attributes include:

• Strong problem-solving ability

• A hands-on mindset

• High levels of initiative

• Practical technical thinking

• Respectful collaboration within a team environment

Technical skills & experience Essential

• Experience with CAD and 3D modelling software (Fusion 360 or similar)

• Experience in product development, mechanical design, or technical design

• Strong mechanical and technical problem-solving ability

• Exposure to manufacturing environments

• Ability to develop tooling, jigs, or practical technical solutions

Highly beneficial

• Experience in wood manufacturing, furniture, or joinery

• Experience in process engineering or manufacturing improvement

• Workshop experience with machinery, fabrication, or tooling

Qualifications

Relevant qualifications may include:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Product Design

• Wood Technology

• Cabinet Making

• Industrial Design

Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Culture

The team operates in a collaborative, close-knit technical environment where initiative and work ethic are highly valued. Individuals who thrive in this environment tend to be:

• Curious and willing to solve problems

• Respectful and team-oriented

• Comfortable taking ownership of challenges

• Motivated to continuously improve how things work

Why this role is interesting

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Work directly with innovative manufacturing processes

• Solve real engineering challenges

• Influence how products and processes evolve

• Contribute meaningfully to a growing R&D function

This is a position where technical thinking, curiosity, and practical problem solving are valued every day.