Lead Mechanical Engineer - Robotics (Remote)

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead the mechanical design of advanced robotic platforms on a fully remote basis. You will guide the entire design lifecycle from concept through production, mentor a distributed team, and collaborate across electrical, software and systems engineering to ensure integrated, high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (PhD a plus), 7+ years in robotic/mechatronic design, and strong expertise in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; PhD is a plus.
• 7+ years in mechanical design with robotics or complex mechatronic systems.
• Proven experience leading remote engineering teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex robotic systems from concept to production.
• Oversee design lifecycle: concept, feasibility, detailed design, prototyping, testing.
• Manage timelines, resources and budgets for mechanical deliverables.
• Mentor and guide a remote team of mechanical engineers.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and systems engineers for integrated design.
• Conduct stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic analyses to optimize reliability.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, specs, and BOMs.
• Evaluate new technologies and materials to advance capabilities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering challenges in development and production.

Skills

Robotics design

Project leadership

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA/CFD

Kinematics/Dynamics

Remote leadership

Engineering analysis

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

PhD (plus)

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Multibody Dynamics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing advanced robotic systems for industrial automation, and they are searching for an exceptional Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their design initiatives. This is a fully remote position, designed for experienced professionals who excel in a distributed work environment. You will be responsible for leading the mechanical design aspects of our client's next-generation robotic platforms, from initial concept through to production. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a passion for robotics, and the ability to inspire and guide a remote team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio of successful robotic system designs and a proven ability to drive projects to completion while maintaining the highest standards of innovation and quality. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of automation and work on truly groundbreaking technologies in a flexible, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex robotic systems, including manipulators, end-effectors, and mobile platforms.
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and testing.
• Develop and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance remote work culture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, software, and systems engineers, to ensure integrated system design.
• Conduct rigorous analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic analysis, to optimize performance and reliability.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and materials to enhance robotic system capabilities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical engineering challenges encountered during development and production.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; PhD is a plus.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on robotics or complex mechatronic systems.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex projects, preferably in a remote context.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (FEA, CFD, Multibody Dynamics).
• Deep understanding of robotics principles, kinematics, dynamics, and control systems.
• Experience with a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, adapted for a remote environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound technical decisions.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program designed for remote professionals. This includes health insurance, a retirement savings plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. As a lead engineer, you will have significant autonomy and the chance to shape the direction of robotic technology. Our client fosters an inclusive and innovative remote work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. We believe in empowering our employees to achieve their full potential, offering stimulating projects and a supportive team atmosphere, all within the flexibility of a remote setup.