Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium health insurance

Retirement contributions

Generous vacation allowance

Professional development budget

Remote work stipend

Cutting-edge collaboration tools

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa. Lead the design of complex robotic mechanisms and electro-mechanical systems for industrial automation, coordinating with global teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of robotics/automation experience, proficiency in CATIA and SolidWorks Premium, and expertise in ANSYS/Abaqus. Strong remote collaboration and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in mechanical design, with robotics/automation focus.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software CATIA/SolidWorks and simulation tools ANSYS/Abaqus.
• Strong knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, materials, manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and drive remote innovation.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of highly complex mechanical systems and robotic components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform FEA, fatigue, and tolerance analyses to ensure reliability.
• Define design requirements and performance criteria for new products.
• Collaborate with remote cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Drive design for manufacturability and assembly with manufacturing partners.
• Mentor junior engineers within the remote team.

Skills

Mechanical design

Robotics

Remote collaboration

Project leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks Premium

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in advanced robotics and automation, seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their distributed engineering team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of designing complex robotic mechanisms, high-precision components, and integrated electro-mechanical systems that power next-generation industrial automation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical design principles, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques, coupled with a proven ability to lead critical design initiatives from concept to production. This role is perfect for a seasoned engineer looking to make a significant impact on cutting-edge technology without the constraints of a traditional office environment, based out of Pretoria, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and robotic components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, complex assemblies, and robust 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced modeling software.
• Perform advanced engineering analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fatigue analysis, and tolerance stack-up analysis, to ensure design integrity and reliability.
• Develop and validate design requirements, technical specifications, and performance criteria for new products and enhancements.
• Collaborate effectively with remote cross-functional teams, including software engineers, electrical engineers, and control systems specialists, to achieve integrated system solutions.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles, working closely with manufacturing partners.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to other mechanical engineers within the remote team structure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design issues throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in robotics and automation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on robotics, automation, or complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Expertise in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks Premium) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, material science, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and drive innovation in a remote setting.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully bringing complex mechanical products to market.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive remote benefits package, including premium health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Generous vacation allowance and flexible working hours.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking technologies with a leading company.
• Work from home stipendiary support.
• Cutting-edge virtual collaboration tools and infrastructure.
• Direct impact on the future of automation.