Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Placements24; Southampton; Remote; GBP 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote role

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead complex automation projects, driving concept to detailed design in a distributed team environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in mechanical design for automation/robotics, with expert CAD/FEA skills (SolidWorks/CATIA/Siemens NX) and strong systems integration know-how. Remote work offers high flexibility and global collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 8+ years in mechanical design with automation/robotics focus.
• Expert 3D CAD and FEA proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex automation systems and robotic cells.
• Conceptualize and detail mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD tools.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic simulations.
• Specify motors, actuators, bearings, linear motion systems, and sensors.
• Collaborate virtually with controls, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Develop design documentation: drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, specs.
• Oversee prototyping and testing, troubleshoot issues, implement improvements.
• Stay updated on trends in manufacturing, automation, and robotics.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote design best practices.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and reliable.

Skills

3D CAD

Kinematics

Robotics integration

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global innovator in advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is critical for the conceptualization, design, and development of next-generation manufacturing systems and automation solutions. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automated production environments, working on complex projects that require creative problem-solving and deep engineering insight. You will lead challenging design initiatives and significantly impact the company's technological roadmap. This remote-first role offers unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in mechanical design, kinematics, robotics, and system integration, with a proven ability to deliver innovative and reliable engineering solutions in a virtual setting. You will lead challenging design initiatives and significantly impact the company's technological roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex automation systems, robotic cells, and advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Conceptualize, design, and detail mechanical components and assemblies using advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic simulations.
• Specify and select mechanical components such as motors, actuators, bearings, linear motion systems, and sensors.
• Collaborate virtually with cross-functional teams including controls engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists.
• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, and technical specifications.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing of new designs, troubleshooting issues and implementing improvements.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of best practices within the design team.
• Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on automation systems, robotics, or advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with FEA and other simulation tools for mechanical analysis.
• Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, control systems, and mechanical system integration.
• Proven ability to lead design projects and work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for virtual team interaction.
• Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for prototyping and production is a plus.
• Familiarity with machine vision systems and industrial networking protocols is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed for remote employees.
• This includes excellent health insurance coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, and ample paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities, such as online courses and virtual conferences, are readily available.
• This fully remote position provides significant autonomy and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects shaping the future of manufacturing, all from the comfort of your home office.