Lead Mechanical Engineer - Product Innovation

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Significant bonus potential

Stock options

Health/dental/vision

Professional development

Remote-first environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive product innovation in a fully remote R&D department. You will guide ideation, design and development of groundbreaking mechanical products while mentoring a team and shaping the future product roadmap.

Requires a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years in design and product development, with strong CAD/CAE and leadership skills. This remote role offers executive-level compensation and stock options.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design and product development with a track record of innovation.
• Proven leadership in managing engineering projects and teams.
• Expertise in CAD/CAE tools and advanced engineering simulations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strategic thinker who thrives in a fully remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design and development of innovative mechanical products.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses (FEA/CFD) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, product management and marketing to align with strategy.
• Identify emerging technologies and oversee design documentation and tests.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

CAD/CAE

FEA

CFD

Manufacturing

Problem solving

Remote work

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

CAE tools

FEA software

CFD software

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead Product Innovation within their entirely remote R&D department. This role demands a leader who can drive the conceptualization, design, and development of groundbreaking mechanical products and technologies. You will guide a team of talented engineers, foster a culture of creativity and rigorous engineering, and play a key role in defining the future product roadmap. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation who thrives in a fully remote setting, contributing significantly to the company's technological advancements and market leadership through expert mechanical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of innovative mechanical products and systems from ideation to market-ready solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including FEA, CFD, and system dynamics, to validate novel designs and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders in R&D, product management, and marketing to align mechanical innovation with business strategy.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies relevant to mechanical engineering and product development.
• Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation, prototypes, and test plans for new product introductions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, with a significant track record in innovation.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing engineering projects and teams.
• Expertise in advanced CAD/CAE tools and complex engineering simulations.
• Strong understanding of a wide range of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to thrive in a fully remote environment.

Benefits

• Executive-level competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Substantial stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Extensive professional development opportunities and leadership training.
• A highly flexible, remote-first work environment that values autonomy and results.
• Opportunity to shape the future of technology and influence product direction.