Mechanical Design Lead - Product Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Lead to drive product development while working fully remotely. You will lead a team of mechanical designers, guiding concepts through to mass production, and collaborate with product management, electrical engineering, and manufacturing.

Ideal candidates have a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years in mechanical design with 4+ years in leadership, and strong skills in SolidWorks or CATIA, plus experience with PDM/PLM

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical product design with 4+ years in leadership.
• Experience leading design teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling and PDM/PLM systems.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFA principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical designers through product development.
• Oversee conceptualization, detailed design, prototyping, and validation of new products.
• Ensure design standards, best practices, and timelines.
• Collaborate with product management, electrical engineering, and manufacturing.
• Drive design innovation in materials and manufacturing processes.
• Manage external design partners and suppliers for quality and timely delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Mechanical Design Lead to drive product development initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility. You will lead a team of mechanical designers, overseeing the entire design lifecycle of innovative products, from initial concept through to mass production. This role requires exceptional technical leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to foster a collaborative and productive remote work environment. It is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned design leader to make a significant impact on product innovation and strategy, working within a company that values remote collaboration and cutting-edge design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical designers throughout the product development cycle.
• Oversee the conceptualization, detailed design, prototyping, and validation of new mechanical products.
• Ensure adherence to design standards, best practices, and project timelines.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product management, electrical engineering, and manufacturing.
• Drive innovation in product design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Manage external design partners and suppliers as needed, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical product design, with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design teams and managing complex product development projects.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and remote team management skills.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus package.
• Fully remote work arrangement, empowering optimal work-life integration.
• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and a substantial budget for professional development.
• Opportunity to shape the future of product design and innovation.