Principal Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary package

Fully remote work flexibility

Growth and leadership opportunities

Involvement in high-impact projects

Access to advanced tools and learning

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead advanced engineering projects in a fully remote setup. You will shape technical strategy, drive complex mechanical design, and mentor global teams, delivering innovative solutions.

This senior role requires a Master’s or PhD and 12+ years of experience, with a track record of leading both in-person and remote engineers. You will oversee architecture decisions, design reviews, and product development across initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 12+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience with lead/principal roles.
• Expertise in complex mechanical design, systems engineering, and product development.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, both in-person and remotely.
• Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with advanced CAD/CAE tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and products.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Drive architectural decisions and set technical direction for major engineering initiatives.
• Conduct advanced design reviews, feasibility studies, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with product management, R&D, and other stakeholders to define roadmaps and requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve challenging technical issues during product development and lifecycle.

Skills

Mechanical design

Systems engineering

Product development

Mentoring teams

CAD/CAE tools

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead advanced engineering projects. This is a fully remote position, offering the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for driving technical strategy, mentoring teams, and tackling the most complex design challenges. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of our client's product offerings through innovative mechanical solutions. This role is ideal for a senior engineer with a proven track record of technical leadership and a passion for pushing the boundaries of mechanical design in a collaborative, remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and products.


• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering innovation and best practices.


• Drive architectural decisions and set technical direction for major engineering initiatives.


• Conduct advanced design reviews , feasibility studies, and risk assessments for critical projects.


• Collaborate with product management, R&D, and other stakeholders to define product roadmaps and technical requirements.


• Troubleshoot and resolve the most challenging technical issues encountered during product development and lifecycle.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.


• 12+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or principal role.


• Demonstrated expertise in complex mechanical design , systems engineering, and product development.


• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, both in-person and remotely.


• Exceptional problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of engineering principles.


• Experience with advanced CAD/CAE tools and methodologies.

Benefits

• An industry-leading salary package, reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.


• Full remote work flexibility with support for home office setup.


• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership advancement.


• Involvement in high-impact, cutting-edge projects with significant market influence.


• Access to advanced tools, resources, and continuous learning platforms.


• Generous leave allowance and comprehensive benefits package.