Principal Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive health

Retirement benefits

Advanced training

Conference participation

Leadership development programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to lead complex mechanical design and analysis for cutting-edge energy systems. The role requires a PhD or Master's and 12+ years of progressive experience with a leadership track record.

You will mentor engineers, drive advanced methodologies, and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and product teams to deliver high-reliability energy solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 11+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience with leadership exposure.
• Expertise in advanced design, FEA/CFD, and systems engineering.
• Proven track record delivering complex, innovative projects.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing, and reliability engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE software suites.
• Experience in renewable energy sector preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on complex mechanical engineering projects from concept to production.
• Lead design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems for energy applications.
• Develop engineering methodologies and processes to improve design quality.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis with simulation tools.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project leadership

FEA/CFD

Systems engineering

Communication

Materials knowledge

Manufacturing understanding

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in renewable energy technology, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior role is pivotal in guiding the technical direction and innovation of our client's mechanical engineering efforts, particularly in the design and development of advanced energy systems. You will be responsible for tackling the most complex engineering challenges, mentoring junior and senior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and product reliability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep, broad expertise in mechanical engineering principles, a strong track record of innovation, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy technology and make a lasting impact within a globally recognized organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and direction on complex mechanical engineering projects, from conceptualization to production.
• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems, components, and sub-systems for cutting-edge energy applications.
• Develop and implement advanced engineering methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance design quality and efficiency.
• Conduct rigorous engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using advanced simulation software.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers, fostering technical growth and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and product management, to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Champion innovation by identifying and evaluating new technologies and approaches to solve critical engineering challenges.
• Review and approve key engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with partners, clients, and at industry forums.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or principal capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced mechanical design, analysis (FEA/CFD), and systems engineering.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, innovative mechanical engineering projects.
• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and reliability engineering.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD/CAE software suites.
• Experience in the renewable energy sector is highly desirable.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance bonuses
• comprehensive health
• retirement benefits
• advanced training
• conference participation
• leadership development programs

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health, and retirement benefits. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, including advanced training, conference participation, and leadership development programs. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility with access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute to world-changing innovations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Join a company that values technical mastery, fosters collaboration, and offers a challenging yet rewarding career path.