Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 2,668,000 - 3,501,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work across global teams

Competitive salary with performance-bn

Professional development opportunities

Global project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead the design of highly complex mechanical systems, mentor engineers, and perform advanced FEA/CFD analyses to optimize performance.

You will collaborate with distributed teams across software, controls, and manufacturing to ensure smooth integration from concept through production. The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years in complex mechanical design, with

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering for complex systems.
• Proven track record of leading design projects from concept to completion.
• Expert proficiency in CAD/CAE tools (CATIA, SolidWorks Premium, ANSYS).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and components.
• Provide expert technical direction and mentorship to junior and mid-level design engineers.
• Conduct advanced FEA and CFD analyses to optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with software, controls, and manufacturing teams in a remote setting to ensure integration.
• Define and document design requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Drive innovation through new materials, technologies, and design methodologies.
• Oversee the full design lifecycle from concept validation to production release.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, DFM, and DFA.

Skills

Leadership in engineering teams

Remote collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Project ownership

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks Premium

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. This senior‑level role is critical for driving innovation in the design of high‑precision machinery and automated systems. You will take ownership of complex design challenges, from conceptualization through to detailed engineering, working collaboratively with a distributed team of experts. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience, a mastery of advanced design principles, and exceptional leadership capabilities. As a remote employee, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, contributing to groundbreaking projects that redefine industry standards. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise on challenging, impactful projects without the constraints of a traditional office environment, contributing to innovations originating from our Bloemfontein, Free State based operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and components.
• Provide expert technical direction and mentorship to junior and mid‑level design engineers across the organization.
• Conduct in-depth analysis, including advanced FEA and CFD, to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (software, controls, manufacturing) in a remote setting to ensure seamless system integration.
• Define and document technical requirements, design specifications, and validation plans.
• Drive innovation by exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies.
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept validation to production release.
• Champion best practices in mechanical design, DFM, and DFA within the engineering department.
• Present design proposals and technical findings to senior management and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a strong focus on complex systems.
• Proven track record of leading complex design projects from concept to completion.
• Expert proficiency in advanced CAD and CAE tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks Premium, ANSYS).
• Deep understanding of advanced mechanics, materials science, thermal management, and dynamics.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Experience with automation, robotics, or precision machinery is highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide engineering teams remotely.
• Must possess a strong work ethic and self‑discipline for a fully remote role.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance bonus structure, recognizing the senior level and expertise required.
• As a fully remote employee, you benefit from ultimate flexibility in your work location and schedule.
• You will work on cutting‑edge projects that push the boundaries of technology, contributing to global innovation.
• Our client provides excellent professional development opportunities, including access to advanced training, virtual conferences, and challenging project assignments.
• Enjoy the benefits of working with a globally distributed, highly skilled team from the comfort of your own home, while contributing to the technological advancements originating from our Bloemfontein, Free State based entity.