Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible remote work

Digital collaboration tools

Professional development

Global projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for a globally recognized robotics and automation leader. This fully remote role collaborates with teams across the globe, while maintaining strong ties to Centurion, Gauteng, to guide innovative robotic systems from concept to implementation.

You will lead a talented mechanical design team, define technical requirements, perform stress/thermal analyses, and work with electrical/software/controls groups in a virtual environment to deliver

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Extensive robotics/automation or electromechanical systems experience.
• Expertise in 3D CAD and simulation tools (NX/SolidWorks, ANSYS/Adams).
• Strong understanding of control systems, mechatronics, and embedded awareness.
• Proven leadership and remote stakeholder management.
• Experience with agile development and remote project tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of robotic systems and automation equipment.
• Mentor and oversee a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Define project requirements, scope, and detailed specifications.
• Conduct mechanical analyses: stress, thermal, vibration, kinematics.
• Collaborate with electrical/software/controls teams in a virtual environment.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and deliverables.
• Develop remote-working best practices for the team.
• Engage clients and stakeholders to present concepts.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in robotics.

Skills

Leadership

Remote stakeholder management

Agile development

Mechatronics understanding

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Robotics

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Adams

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced robotics and automation solutions, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to join their cutting-edge, fully remote engineering division. This pivotal role involves leading the design and development of innovative robotic systems and automated manufacturing equipment. You will be responsible for guiding a team of talented engineers, setting technical direction, and ensuring the successful execution of complex design projects from concept to implementation. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership qualities, a profound understanding of mechanical engineering principles applied to robotics, and a proven ability to drive innovation in a virtual collaboration environment. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact from a remote setting, with strong ties to projects supporting or originating from Centurion, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced robotic systems and automation equipment.
• Oversee and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Define project technical requirements, scope, and detailed design specifications.
• Conduct in-depth mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic simulations.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and controls engineering teams in a virtual environment to ensure integrated system design.
• Drive the selection of materials and manufacturing processes for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Review and approve design documentation, including drawings, BOMs, and technical reports.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and deliverables in alignment with company objectives.
• Develop and implement best practices for mechanical design and engineering within a remote team structure.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to understand requirements and present design concepts.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in robotic and automation technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team lead role.
• Extensive experience in the design of robotics, automation, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Expertise in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Adams).
• Strong understanding of control systems, mechatronics, and embedded systems as they relate to mechanical design.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective remote stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and remote project management tools is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and fully remote work environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptionally competitive compensation package, including a substantial salary, performance bonuses, and potential equity.
• We provide a flexible remote work setup, empowering you to work from any location.
• Access to state-of-the-art digital collaboration tools and resources is standard.
• Professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and certifications.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking company shaping the future of automation, working on challenging and rewarding projects with a global reach, all supported by our strategic engineering focus on areas related to Centurion, Gauteng.