Lead Mechanical Systems Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary package

Premium medical aid

Generous pension fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance (on interview)

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Mechanical Systems Engineer to drive the design, development, and deployment of innovative mechanical systems for solar and wind solutions. You will lead a team, set technical strategy, and ensure engineering excellence across conceptualization, detailed design, testing, and validation.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of experience, including 3+ in leadership, and strong CAD/CAE skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with 3+ in leadership.
• Renewable energy experience (solar/wind).
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE software (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Strong project management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and engineering of large renewable energy systems.
• Oversee development of new mechanical technologies and concepts.
• Mentor and manage a team of mechanical engineers.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, PMs and site operations.
• Develop technical specs, design docs and testing protocols.
• Perform feasibility studies, risk assessments, and performance evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Mechanical Systems Engineer to spearhead critical projects from their Cape Town, Western Cape office. This role is central to the design, development, and deployment of innovative mechanical systems for solar and wind energy solutions. The successful candidate will lead a team of talented engineers, drive technical strategy, and ensure the highest standards of engineering excellence. If you are passionate about sustainability and possess a deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of green technology. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire mechanical engineering workflow, from conceptualization and detailed design to testing and validation, all while fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment. Your leadership will be key to achieving project milestones and delivering state-of-the‑art renewable energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and engineering of large‑scale renewable energy systems, including structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis.
• Oversee the development and implementation of new mechanical technologies and concepts.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, project managers, and site operations, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications, design documentation, and testing protocols.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and performance evaluations for new and existing systems.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant international codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Drive innovation by identifying and integrating advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmaps for the renewable energy division.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team lead capacity.
• Proven expertise in mechanical systems design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in the renewable energy sector (solar, wind, or similar).
• Proficiency with advanced CAD/CAE software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with materials selection and failure analysis.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes premium medical aid, a generous pension fund, and substantial paid annual leave.
• The company invests heavily in employee development, offering access to advanced training, workshops, and opportunities to attend international conferences.
• You will work in a modern facility in Cape Town , equipped with cutting‑edge technology.
• Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
• Additional details regarding relocation assistance and specific project opportunities will be provided during the interview process.