Principal Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Product Development

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Generous retirement plan with matching

Performance bonuses and equity options

Global conferences and growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for next‑generation products. This senior role acts as a technical authority, guiding architecture, DFM/DFA, and cross‑functional collaboration in a demanding on‑site environment.

You will mentor engineers, perform high‑level analyses (FEA/CFD), select materials and manufacturing processes, and shape the technology roadmap.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years leading complex mechanical product development.
• Technical authority with strong leadership and communication.
• Proficiency in CATIA or NX and advanced simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of advanced mechanical systems from concept to production.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers across projects.
• Perform high-end analyses (FEA, CFD, multi-physics) to validate designs.
• Define mechanical architecture, requirements and detailed specs.
• Oversee materials, manufacturing methods and tech choices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product integration.
• Drive innovation, DFMEA, and design-for-testability initiatives.
• Engage with suppliers and stakeholders on technical enablement.
• Contribute to strategic tech roadmaps and product direction.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

CAD proficiency

Simulation tools

Education

PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for next‑generation products. This senior role acts as a technical authority, guiding architecture, DFM/DFA, and cross‑functional collaboration in a demanding on‑site environment.

You will mentor engineers, perform high‑level analyses (FEA/CFD), select materials and manufacturing processes, and shape the technology roadmap.