Lead Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement contributions

Performance-based incentives

Leadership development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead advanced engineering initiatives in Pretoria, Gauteng. This hybrid leadership role combines strategic direction with hands-on design and mentoring of a engineering team to deliver complex mechanical systems.

You will set technical standards, oversee project lifecycles from concept to production, perform advanced analyses (FEA/CFD), ensure safety and quality compliance, and collaborate with senior management to align

Qualifications

• Evidence of leadership and mentoring of engineering teams.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering with leadership experience.
• Expertise in complex mechanical system design and validation.
• Cross-functional collaboration in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers across projects.
• Oversee lifecycle from conceptualization through production.
• Set standards and best practices for the department.
• Perform advanced analyses (FEA/CFD) and thermal management.
• Align engineering efforts with business objectives with senior management.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality systems.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA/CFD tools

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their advanced engineering initiatives in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA. This leadership role is integral to driving innovation and overseeing the design and development of complex mechanical systems. Operating on a hybrid model, you will balance strategic leadership and hands‑on engineering with team collaboration. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record of successfully leading engineering projects from conception to completion, coupled with strong technical expertise and excellent people management skills. You will be responsible for mentoring a team of engineers, setting technical direction, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in all engineering outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of mechanical design projects, from conceptualization through to production and implementation.
• Develop and refine engineering strategies, standards, and best practices for the mechanical engineering department.
• Conduct advanced technical analysis, including complex FEA, CFD, and thermal management.
• Collaborate with senior management and other departments to align engineering efforts with business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and quality management systems.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively for mechanical engineering endeavors.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the engineering team.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for mechanical engineering matters, both internally and externally.
• Champion design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex mechanical system design, analysis, and validation.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD/CAE software suites and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of project management principles and agile methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage technical teams and drive project success in a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with cross-functional team collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• A deep understanding of manufacturing processes and materials science.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous retirement plan contributions, and performance-based incentives.
• This role offers significant professional growth opportunities, leadership development programs, and the chance to shape the future of engineering at our client's organization.
• The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining strong team cohesion within Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA.