Junior Mechanical CAD Engineer / Designer

Overview

We are seeking a Junior Mechanical CAD Engineer / Designer to join a cryogenic cooler and system integration team. In this role, you will create mechanical components from concept through assembly and system testing.

Components will include CNC-machined parts, vacuum-brazed assemblies, cryogenic turbo-compressor designs, Joule-Thomson counterflow heat exchangers for He-4 and He-3 cycles, and magnetic field generation and control structures.

The role requires strong 3D CAD capability, practical design-for-manufacture knowledge, and a hands-on approach to building and testing cryostat systems.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings for cryogenic cooler and system integration components.

• Design CNC-machined parts, vacuum-brazed assemblies, cryogenic compressor components, heat exchangers, and magnetic field control structures.

• Apply design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly principles, including machining processes, sheet metal fabrication, tolerances, and ease of assembly.

• Work with internal teams, suppliers, and machinists to support fabrication, design iteration, and manufacturability reviews.

• Support hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of cryostat systems.

• Maintain design documentation, drawings, BOMs, and engineering change records.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

• Good knowledge of 3D CAD tools; NX or Onshape experience is a plus.

• 3D CAD and CAM knowledge.

• Understanding of metal production processes, including:

  • CNC machining

  • 5-axis machining

  • Dual-spindle lathe processes

  • Sheet metal fabrication

  • 3D metal printing

• Understanding of engineering materials, including:

  • Copper

  • Stainless steel

  • Aluminium alloys

  • Carbon fibre

  • Glass fibre composites

• Basic understanding of adhesive bonding and brazing processes.

• Hands-on assembly or project execution experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of industry experience, ideally in:

  • Aerospace

  • Semiconductor equipment

  • Cryogenic systems

  • Scientific instrumentation

  • Precision mechanical engineering

• Cryogenic experience is a plus.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Amanda Makhathini