Principal Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Fully remote work

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Stock options and long-term incentives

Budget for professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer for a remote role. You will steer the technical direction of major mechanical programs, mentor a team of engineers, and influence roadmaps with autonomy and strategic focus.

You will lead complex design projects, perform advanced analyses (FEA, CFD, thermal), and collaborate with product management and R&D to align solutions with business goals. This is a senior, remote-first leadership position.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Expertise in advanced mechanical analysis techniques and simulation software.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills for remote leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and architect the mechanical design strategy for new product lines.
• Lead complex engineering projects from inception to production.
• Perform advanced analyses such as FEA, CFD, and thermal modeling.
• Collaborate with product management, R&D, and partners to align solutions.
• Mentor engineering teams and champion best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and integrate them into designs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA

CFD

Thermal modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote position. In this senior role, you will drive the technical direction for major mechanical engineering projects, influencing strategic decisions and mentoring a team of talented engineers. You will tackle our most challenging design problems, pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on product development and technology roadmaps while enjoying the autonomy and flexibility of a remote-first work culture. We value deep technical expertise and leadership in driving complex engineering initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and architect the mechanical design strategy for new product lines and major system upgrades.
• Lead complex engineering projects from inception through to successful production, ensuring technical integrity.
• Perform advanced analyses, including FEA, CFD, and thermal modeling, to optimize designs for performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with product management, R&D, and external partners to align mechanical solutions with business objectives.
• Champion best practices in design, simulation, and testing, and mentor engineering teams in these areas.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, incorporating them into future designs and strategies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, systems engineering, and product development.
• Expertise in advanced mechanical analysis techniques and simulation software.
• Proven experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, essential for a remote leadership role.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a generous base salary and bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement with complete flexibility.
• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and advanced training.
• A culture that empowers senior engineers to lead and innovate without geographical constraints.