Lead Product Development Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote benefits package

Generous PTO

Development budget

Home office allowance

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Product Development Engineer to join its remote-first engineering team. You will shepherd concepts from ideation through mass production for consumer electronics and mentor a distributed team.

You will oversee mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing liaison, collaborating with industrial design, electrical, and firmware groups to deliver integrated products.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 8+ years in product development for consumer electronics.
• Experience launching complex electromechanical products into mass production.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical product development from concept to launch.
• Oversee design, prototyping, and testing of components using CAD and simulation tools.
• Collaborate with industrial design, electrical, and firmware teams for seamless integration.
• Manage relationships with overseas manufacturing partners (DFM, tooling, ramp-up).
• Develop and execute test plans to validate performance, reliability and compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead a remote team.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and market trends in consumer electronics.
• Ensure timely delivery within budget and scope.

Skills

8+ yrs exp

Project leadership

Remote team leadership

CAD & FEA

DFM & tooling

Electromechanical

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing tech company specializing in innovative consumer electronics, is seeking a Lead Product Development Engineer to join their remote-first engineering team. This position is ideal for a seasoned mechanical engineer who excels at taking concepts from ideation through to mass production. You will be instrumental in leading the development of new product lines, overseeing mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing liaison. The role demands a blend of strong technical expertise in mechanical engineering, excellent project management skills, and the ability to foster collaboration within a globally distributed team. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence product direction and drive innovation in the consumer electronics space, supporting strategic goals aligned with **Polokwane, Limpopo**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical product development process for new consumer electronic devices, from concept to launch.
• Oversee the design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical components and assemblies using advanced CAD and simulation tools.
• Collaborate closely with industrial design, electrical engineering, and firmware teams to ensure seamless product integration.
• Manage relationships with overseas manufacturing partners, overseeing DFM, tooling, and production ramp-up.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate product performance, reliability, and compliance.
• Conduct thorough failure analysis and implement design improvements based on test results and feedback.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and best practices within the remote team.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends in consumer electronics.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget and scope, communicating effectively across teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of experience in product development, with a strong emphasis on consumer electronics.
• Proven track record of successfully launching complex electromechanical products into mass production.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA simulation.
• Strong understanding of plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and assembly processes.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills, capable of leading remote teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.
• Experience working with international manufacturing partners.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive remote benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working schedule.
• Significant budget for professional development, training, and conferences.
• Opportunity to shape the future of innovative consumer products.
• Home office setup allowance and technology support.
• Engage with a dynamic, collaborative, and globally distributed team.
• Direct impact on product strategy and execution.