Lead Mechanical Design Engineer (Renewable Energy)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work location

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the design and optimization of mechanical components for wind turbines and solar energy infrastructure. This fully remote role leads projects from concept to detailed engineering, ensuring performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in mechanical design, renewable energy systems, and experience mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design with renewable energy focus.
• Experience leading design projects and mentoring engineers.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Strong materials science, fatigue analysis, and manufacturing process knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in a remote, distributed team environment.
• Passion for renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of components and systems for renewable energy tech.
• Perform CAD modeling and generate engineering drawings and docs.
• Conduct structural, thermal, and fatigue analyses to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers for integrated systems.
• Develop and implement robust testing and validation plans.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on projects.
• Stay updated on renewable energy tech and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical Design

Renewable Energy

3D CAD

FEA

Materials Science

Project Management

Remote Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in renewable energy solutions, is seeking a talented Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative, fully remote team. This critical role will focus on the conceptualization, design, and optimization of mechanical components and systems for wind turbines and solar energy infrastructure. You will lead design projects from initial concept through to detailed engineering, ensuring robust performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for sustainability, a strong background in mechanical design principles, and experience with complex systems in the energy sector. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a cleaner future while working remotely from anywhere in South Africa. We seek a proactive engineer who can drive technical excellence and collaborate effectively in a distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of components and systems for renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind turbine drivetrains, solar tracking systems).
• Perform detailed CAD modeling and create comprehensive engineering drawings and documentation.
• Conduct advanced analyses, including structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis, to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers to ensure integrated system functionality.
• Develop and implement robust testing and validation plans for new designs.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term reliability.
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers and provide technical leadership on design projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in renewable energy technology and mechanical engineering best practices.
• Contribute to the development of design standards and procedures.
• Participate in technical reviews and decision-making processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on renewable energy systems or complex machinery.
• Proven experience in leading design projects and mentoring engineers.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Strong understanding of materials science, fatigue analysis, and manufacturing processes relevant to renewable energy.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Passion for renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Benefits

This fully remote Lead Mechanical Design Engineer position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy significant flexibility in their work location and hours, fostering excellent work-life balance. The benefits include robust health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Our client is committed to employee growth, providing substantial opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training, conferences, and further education. You will be part of a mission-driven organization, working on impactful projects that contribute to global sustainability goals. Join our dynamic, remote team and help power the future.