Principal Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonus

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Remote-friendly

Job summary

Placements24, partnering with a global leader in advanced materials, seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote senior role. You will steer mechanical design, mentor a team, and drive technology from concept to commercialization.

Lead complex systems, guide cross-functional collaborations, and shape architectural requirements while upholding standards, quality and regulatory alignment across global projects.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience with product development focus.
• Experience in technical leadership or principal engineer role.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for mechanical design of new products.
• Lead complex mechanical system design, analysis, and validation.
• Define mechanical architectural requirements and ensure system integrity.
• Mentor engineers and foster technical excellence.
• Collaborate with R&D, product management, manufacturing, and global teams.
• Develop innovative solutions and drive IP development.

Skills

Mechanical leadership

Product development

CAD and CAD tools

FEA/CFD analysis

Mentoring

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks Premium

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced materials science and engineering, is seeking an exceptional Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote, senior-level position. This is a critical role where you will spearhead the mechanical design and development of groundbreaking new product lines, setting the technical direction and mentoring a team of talented engineers. Working entirely from your home office, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams worldwide, driving innovation from concept through to commercialization. We are looking for a visionary engineer with a proven track record of technical leadership and a deep expertise in complex mechanical systems. This remote opportunity is ideal for a highly motivated professional seeking to make a significant impact on technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for the mechanical design and development of new products.
• Lead complex mechanical system design, analysis, and validation using advanced engineering tools.
• Define mechanical architectural requirements and ensure system integrity across multiple disciplines.
• Mentor and guide junior and senior engineers, fostering technical excellence and best practices.
• Collaborate extensively with R&D, product management, manufacturing, and global engineering teams.
• Develop innovative solutions to challenging engineering problems, pushing the boundaries of current technology.
• Oversee the creation and review of detailed design documentation, including schematics, BOMs, and test plans.
• Conduct sophisticated analyses (FEA, CFD, thermal, vibration) to ensure performance, reliability, and safety.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent applications and technical publications.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on product development and innovation.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership or principal engineer role.
• Expertise in complex mechanical system design, including mechanisms, structures, and thermal management.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks Premium, CATIA) and FEA (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) software.
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and reliability engineering.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to mentor engineering teams and drive technical consensus.

Benefits

• This remote position offers a top-tier compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance are provided, along with a generous 401(k) matching program.
• Our client is committed to continuous learning and offers extensive professional development opportunities, including funding for advanced training and conferences.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and autonomy that comes with a fully remote role, working from anywhere in South Africa.
• Be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and impactful engineering.