Lead Mechanical Engineer - Product Development (Remote)

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,994,000 - 3,157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Generous PTO

Home office tech allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to head critical product development initiatives in a remote- first setting. You will guide design, development, and integration of advanced mechanical solutions, collaborating with a diverse team of engineers, designers, and product managers.

The role emphasizes leadership in a remote environment, strategic thinking, and proven success in delivering complex projects from concept to launch.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in mechanical design, product development, and leadership.
• Proven track record leading complex engineering projects.
• Strong CAD/simulation proficiency (Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER; FEA/CFD).

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical engineering aspects of new product development from concept to launch.
• Develop and refine mechanical designs using CAD software for performance and manufacturability.
• Conduct FEA/CFD analyses to validate designs under various conditions.
• Define technical specifications and test plans for components and systems.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and industrial design teams for integrated solutions.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets for mechanical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes for optimal outcomes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical challenges across the lifecycle.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

Pro/ENGINEER

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead critical product development initiatives within their innovative engineering department. This role is designed for a seasoned professional who thrives in a fully remote, collaborative environment. You will be instrumental in guiding the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge mechanical solutions that redefine industry standards. Working from your remote location, you will collaborate seamlessly with a diverse team of engineers, designers, and product managers, leveraging digital collaboration tools to achieve shared goals. We are dedicated to building a robust, remote-first culture that empowers engineers to excel and innovate. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the trajectory of our product portfolio and to lead a team in a dynamic, virtual setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead the mechanical engineering aspects of new product development projects from concept to launch.
• Develop and refine mechanical designs using advanced CAD software, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Conduct rigorous analytical and simulation studies (FEA, CFD) to validate design performance under various operating conditions.
• Define technical specifications, engineering requirements, and test plans for mechanical components and systems.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, software development, and industrial design, to ensure integrated product solutions.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to a team of mechanical engineers.
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for optimal product outcomes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical engineering challenges throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent advanced technical degree.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, product development, and engineering leadership.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER) and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Strong understanding of mechatronics, robotics, or similar complex electro-mechanical systems is a plus.
• Experience with various manufacturing techniques (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, particularly in a remote setting.
• Ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into technical solutions.
• A strong portfolio showcasing innovative mechanical designs and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive compensation package, including a substantial annual salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, generous retirement savings contributions, and ample paid time off.
• As a remote-first company, we offer flexibility in working hours and provide a technology allowance to equip your home office.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth are strongly encouraged and supported.
• This role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere within accepted regions.