Mechanical Development Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Performance bonuses

Home office stipend

IT support

Flexible working hours

Paid time off

Health benefits

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Development Engineer for a remote-first role. You will design, analyze, and prototype novel mechanical systems, driving experiments from ideation through validation in a fully remote, Paarl-based Western Cape context.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (PhD a strong plus) and 4+ years in mechanical design or R&D, with proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor) and simulations (ANSYS, COMSOL).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• PhD preferred (strong plus).
• Minimum 4 years in mechanical design, R&D or product development.
• Prototype development and experimental setup experience.
• Proficiency with CAD and advanced simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new mechanical concepts from ideation to feasibility.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses via FEA/CFD.
• Create 3D models, drawings, and technical docs for prototypes.
• Collaborate with R&D, materials scientists, and engineers remotely.
• Select materials and processes for experiments and development.
• Oversee fabrication/testing of prototypes and iterate designs.
• Research new technologies and contribute IP through disclosures.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

FEA/CFD simulations

Technical documentation

Remote collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in advanced materials and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Mechanical Development Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and development projects from your home office. You will be responsible for the design, analysis, and prototyping of novel mechanical systems and components, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As a remote-first company, we are committed to fostering a collaborative, dynamic, and supportive virtual work environment, leveraging cutting-edge collaboration tools. While the role is associated with **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA**, the position is entirely remote, offering exceptional flexibility. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about innovation, possess strong analytical skills, and thrive in an independent work setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical concepts and prototypes from ideation through to feasibility studies.
• Perform advanced engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, using FEA and CFD tools.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and technical documentation for prototypes and preliminary designs.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, materials specialists, and other engineers in a virtual environment.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for experimental and developmental components.
• Oversee the fabrication and testing of prototypes, analyzing results and iterating on designs.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and methodologies relevant to mechanical development.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project updates for stakeholders.
• Ensure all development activities adhere to safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A Ph.D. is a strong plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, R&D, or product development.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and building experimental setups and prototypes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and advanced simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical application of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, suited for a remote team environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Experience in areas such as additive manufacturing, robotics, or advanced materials is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a robust benefits package tailored for a remote workforce.
• This includes an excellent annual salary, potential for performance-based bonuses, and a significant allowance for professional development, including online courses, certificates, and relevant publications.
• We provide a home office setup stipend and dedicated IT support.
• Employees enjoy flexible working hours, generous paid time off, and comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Our client is invested in fostering a culture of continuous innovation and offers opportunities for growth into senior research and development roles.
• Join a company that is at the forefront of technological advancement and values the autonomy and expertise of its remote engineering talent.