Mechanical Design Engineer - R&D

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa. You will lead R&D oriented mechanical design from concept to prototyping and testing, collaborating with an international team to push technological boundaries and deliver innovative solutions for the East London industrial landscape.

Ideal candidates have a Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years in design and strong CAD/CAE skills, plus a track record of independent work in

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with a strong focus on R&D.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE software and advanced simulations.
• Knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and ability to innovate.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical systems and components for R&D projects.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration simulations using industry-leading software.
• Build and test prototypes and iterate designs based on data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore new technologies.
• Document research findings, design specifications, and test results.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.

Skills

R&D experience

CAD/CAE proficiency

Materials science knowledge

Problem-solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking an innovative Mechanical Design Engineer with a passion for Research and Development to join their distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa . You will be at the forefront of developing next‑generation mechanical solutions, from conceptualization and simulation to prototyping and rigorous testing. This role is perfect for a creative and self‑motivated engineer who thrives in a remote‑first environment and enjoys tackling challenging R&D projects. You will collaborate with a talented, international team to drive technological advancements and bring groundbreaking ideas to fruition, contributing to the company's leading position in innovation, with a connection to the industrial landscape of East London .

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop novel mechanical systems and components for R&D projects.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, using industry-leading software.
• Build and test prototypes, iterating on designs based on experimental results and performance data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore new technologies and potential applications.
• Document research findings, design specifications, and test results comprehensively.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on R&D.
• Expertise in CAD/CAE software and advanced simulation techniques.
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and experimental design.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a proven ability to innovate.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering exceptional flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Significant investment in professional development and advanced training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technologies and shape the future of mechanical innovation, all while contributing remotely from anywhere in South Africa .