Lead Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Fully remote position

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Global impact

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Lead Mechanical Engineer to head R&D initiatives in a fully remote capacity. You will drive innovation, conceptualize next-generation mechanical designs, and guide a team of engineers.

This senior role focuses on exploring new technologies and materials, turning ideas into viable concepts and prototypes, and presenting findings to leadership from anywhere in the world. Based remotely with a Stellenbosch base, you will help shape the future product roadmap,

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering with focus on R&D and innovation.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing R&D projects.
• Deep understanding of advanced mechanical design, simulation techniques (FEA, CFD), and rapid prototyping.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for remote leadership.
• Experience with IP development and patent processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and development of innovative mechanical systems for future market applications.
• Mentor and manage a team of mechanical engineers.
• Define technical roadmaps and oversee the R&D project lifecycle.
• Explore emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with product management and software teams to align R&D with business goals.
• Present research findings, design proposals, and updates to senior leadership.

Skills

R&D leadership

Remote leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA

CFD

Rapid prototyping

IP development

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to head their Research and Development initiatives, operating in a fully remote capacity. This leadership role is critical for driving innovation, conceptualizing next-generation mechanical designs, and guiding a team of talented engineers. You will be at the forefront of exploring new technologies and materials, translating cutting-edge ideas into viable product concepts and prototypes. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior engineer passionate about innovation to shape the future of technology from anywhere in the world, contributing significantly to our client's R&D pipeline originating from their Stellenbosch base.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of innovative mechanical systems and products for future market applications.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Conduct feasibility studies, define technical roadmaps, and oversee the R&D project lifecycle.
• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes for potential integration.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management and software engineering, to align R&D efforts with business objectives.
• Present research findings, design proposals, and project updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on R&D and innovation.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing R&D projects.
• Deep understanding of advanced mechanical design principles, simulation techniques (FEA, CFD), and rapid prototyping.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, crucial for remote leadership.
• Experience with intellectual property development and patent processes is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including salary and stock options.
• Fully remote position enabling global work flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to pioneer new technologies and define the future product roadmap for our client.