Principal Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health & retirement benefits

Development budget

R&D facilities access

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead our advanced R&D team in Centurion. You will tackle the most complex mechanical challenges and shape the engineering roadmap.

You will mentor engineers, drive design, analysis, prototyping and testing, and provide technical authority in reviews and strategic planning. The role offers equity options, plus health, retirement, and development benefits in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 12+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer with proven technical leadership.
• Deep expertise in mechanical engineering areas (materials, mechatronics, robotics, or thermal management).
• Mastery of CAD/CAE tools and advanced simulation methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and strategic vision for mechanical engineering in new product development and improvements.
• Lead complex design projects from conceptualization to testing.
• Develop and implement advanced engineering methodologies and tools to enhance design efficiency and performance.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis of intricate mechanical systems using simulations and validation.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers, acting as a technical authority.
• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in reviews and strategic planning.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Stakeholder management

CAD/CAE tools

Simulation

Education

PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their advanced R&D team based in Centurion. In this senior role, you will be at the forefront of technological innovation, tackling the most complex mechanical engineering challenges and defining the future of our product lines. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor a team of highly skilled engineers, and drive strategic engineering decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned professional to influence significant technological advancements and shape the company's engineering roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and strategic vision for all mechanical engineering aspects of new product development and existing product improvements.
• Lead complex design projects, including conceptualization, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, and testing, ensuring cutting-edge solutions.
• Develop and implement advanced engineering methodologies and tools to enhance design efficiency and product performance.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis of intricate mechanical systems, employing advanced simulation techniques and experimental validation.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineering staff, acting as a technical authority and thought leader.
• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in high-level project reviews and strategic planning sessions.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related technical field.
• Extensive experience (12+ years) as a Mechanical Engineer, with a proven track record in innovation and technical leadership.
• Deep expertise in multiple areas of mechanical engineering, such as advanced materials, mechatronics, robotics, or thermal management.
• Mastery of advanced CAD/CAE tools and complex simulation methodologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate beyond established paradigms.
• Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills, critical for a role in Centurion.

Benefits

• An industry-leading compensation package, including substantial base salary and equity options.
• Exceptional health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant budget for professional development, conference attendance, and further education.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment focused on groundbreaking innovation.