Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovative renewable energy projects from our remote-first hub in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a team of engineers, guiding concept, design and implementation of high-performance mechanical systems.

Responsibilities include setting technical direction, overseeing the full design lifecycle, and delivering robust, manufacturable solutions. Proficiency with NX/Creo/ANSYS and strong leadership are essential; occasional travel to

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design with 3+ years in leadership.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX or Creo and ANSYS for design and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Oversee design lifecycle from concept to production.
• Develop and implement design strategies and best practices.
• Perform design reviews for performance, reliability, and safety.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports to senior management.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in renewables.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Creo

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology firm at the front‑line of renewable energy solutions, is actively seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead innovative projects from their **Centurion, Gauteng** hub. This pivotal role involves guiding a team of talented engineers in the conceptualization, design, and implementation of high‑performance mechanical systems. You will be responsible for setting technical direction, ensuring design integrity, and driving the successful delivery of complex engineering challenges. The ideal candidate possesses a strong leadership aptitude, a deep understanding of mechanical principles, and a passion for sustainable technology. This is a unique opportunity to influence product roadmaps and contribute to a greener future, working within a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle for new mechanical products and systems, from concept to production.
• Develop and implement design strategies and best practices.
• Conduct thorough design reviews, ensuring adherence to performance, reliability, and safety standards.
• Utilize advanced CAD/CAE tools for detailed modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and budgets for mechanical design activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to drive innovation.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and project status reports to senior management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Creo) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and DFM principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience in the renewable energy sector or complex machinery design is highly preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously and drive initiatives forward in a remote‑first setting.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities involved. Our client provides an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off. Employees have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including advanced training and conference attendance, to support career growth. While the role is remote‑first, there may be occasional travel required to **Centurion, Gauteng** for key team meetings or site visits.