Lead Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Projects (Remote)

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive the design and development of advanced mechanical systems in a fully remote capacity. You will define technical direction, lead remote teams, and push innovation from concept to production.

The role requires a Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years in design, strong CAD/FEA/CFD skills, and proven leadership in remote projects. Excellent collaboration and decision-making are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years in mechanical design.
• Expertise in CAD software and simulation tools for advanced R&D or complex product development.
• Proven track record leading remote engineering projects and teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems and components.
• Perform complex engineering calculations, simulations (FEA, CFD), and analyses to validate design performance, reliability, and safety.
• Develop detailed technical specifications, drawings, and documentation for prototypes and production units.
• Collaborate with remote engineering teams, manufacturing partners, and external consultants.
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers within project teams.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Creo

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client is searching for an exceptional Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their advanced projects division, operating in a fully remote capacity. This senior role is designed for a visionary engineer who thrives on tackling complex challenges and driving groundbreaking mechanical solutions from concept to production. You will be instrumental in defining the technical direction for cutting-edge technologies, working with a distributed, world-class team. This position requires a leader with a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in designing novel mechanical systems. The opportunity is to work on projects that push the boundaries of innovation, requiring deep expertise and creative problem-solving. As a remote-first role, we are looking for self-motivated individuals who excel in an independent work environment, leveraging collaboration tools to maintain seamless communication and project momentum.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems and components, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Perform complex engineering calculations, simulations (FEA, CFD), and analyses to validate design performance, reliability, and safety.
• Develop detailed technical specifications, drawings, and documentation for prototypes and production units.
• Collaborate effectively with remote engineering teams, manufacturing partners, and external consultants to resolve technical challenges.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers within the project teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Drive innovation by researching and evaluating new technologies, materials, and design methodologies.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables for mechanical aspects, ensuring on-time and within-budget completion.
• Conduct design reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure the highest quality of engineering output.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, documentation, and project execution.

Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion focused on advanced R&D or complex product development. Demonstrated expertise in leading engineering projects and teams, preferably in a remote setting. Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Creo) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL). Proven track record of successful product development and innovation in challenging technical domains. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, adept at working with diverse, geographically dispersed teams. Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and maintain high productivity in a remote work environment. Experience with material selection for extreme environments or specialized applications is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and involvement in truly pioneering projects. You will have the autonomy to manage your work schedule while collaborating with a global team of experts. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative remote work culture, empowering our employees to achieve their full potential regardless of their physical location. Join us from anywhere and be part of something revolutionary.