Lead Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Leadership training

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead the design and development of innovative mechanical systems in a fully remote capacity across South Africa. This senior role offers technical leadership, guiding a team of engineers to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions that advance the company’s product roadmap.

You will mentor engineers, oversee the full design lifecycle from concept to production, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise performance,

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design with leadership experience.
• Expertise in CAD (SOLIDWORKS/CATIA) and simulation (FEA/CFD).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Oversee the complete mechanical design lifecycle for complex products and systems, from concept generation through to production release.
• Develop and implement advanced design strategies, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and manufacturability of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews, feasibility studies, and performance analyses (FEA, CFD) to validate design choices.
• Collaborate with product management, R&D, and manufacturing to translate requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Establish and enforce design standards, best practices, and documentation protocols across the mechanical engineering team.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to enhance product capabilities and reduce costs.
• Act as a key technical liaison with external partners, suppliers, and customers on mechanical design matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the mechanical design function, promoting efficiency and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Team management

Communication skills

Education

Master's/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

CATIA

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an exceptional Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead the design and development of innovative mechanical systems in a fully remote capacity. This senior position is ideal for a visionary engineer who thrives on technical challenges and leadership. You will guide a talented team of engineers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cutting-edge mechanical solutions. This role is integral to driving forward the company's product roadmap and maintaining its position at the forefront of technological advancement. As a remote-first position, it offers unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will collaborate with global teams, contributing your expertise to projects that push the boundaries of engineering excellence. This is a chance to shape the future of mechanical design within a globally recognized organization committed to innovation and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Oversee the complete mechanical design lifecycle for complex products and systems, from concept generation through to production release.
• Develop and implement advanced design strategies, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and manufacturability of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews, feasibility studies, and performance analyses (FEA, CFD) to validate design choices.
• Collaborate with product management, R&D, and manufacturing departments to translate requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Establish and enforce design standards, best practices, and documentation protocols across the mechanical engineering team.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to enhance product capabilities and reduce costs.
• Act as a key technical liaison with external partners, suppliers, and customers on mechanical design matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the mechanical design function, promoting efficiency and innovation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team lead capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced mechanical design principles, including stress analysis, kinematics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Proficiency in leading-edge CAD software (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, CATIA) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Proven track record of successfully bringing complex mechanical products from concept to mass production.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, additive manufacturing).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate engineering teams.
• Experience working effectively in a remote, collaborative, and international environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• ECSA registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

This leadership role offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly attractive salary and performance-based bonuses. As a fully remote position, you will benefit from exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to manage your workday effectively. Our client provides extensive opportunities for professional growth, including access to cutting-edge training, conferences, and leadership development programs. Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off are included. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that values creativity, fosters a supportive culture, and is dedicated to making a significant impact on the future of technology.