Principal Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Systems

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Global benefits

Remote-first culture

Equity options

Professional development

Autonomy to work from anywhere

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote role, leading design of complex systems and guiding distributed engineering teams. You will define architectures, perform multi-physics analyses, and shape technical direction on global projects.

This senior position emphasizes innovation, leadership, and rigorous documentation, with remote collaboration across hardware, software, and systems disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years in advanced mechanical design and system engineering with a record of innovation.
• Expertise in complex systems design incl. robotics, aerospace, or advanced materials.
• Proficient in CAD/CAE and multi-physics simulation techniques.
• Proven leadership of diverse, remote engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and architecture of complex, novel systems.
• Define requirements, conduct feasibility studies, develop design concepts.
• Perform multi-physics analyses and system-level modeling.
• Mentor and guide other mechanical engineers remotely.
• Collaborate with hardware/software/systems teams in a remote setting.
• Oversee development, testing and validation of components and subsystems.
• Maintain documentation, standards and best practices.
• Stay at the forefront of new technologies and provide strategic direction.

Skills

15+ years experience

Complex mechanical design

Remote leadership

Analytical problem-solving

Strong communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced technology research and development, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote position. This is a unique opportunity for a senior engineer to lead the conceptualization and design of highly complex mechanical systems for groundbreaking technologies. You will be instrumental in driving innovation from the ground up, defining system architectures, and ensuring the technical feasibility and performance of cutting-edge projects. This role requires exceptional technical depth, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with distributed, world-class engineering teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record of innovation and leadership in challenging mechanical engineering domains. We are committed to fostering a remote-first culture that empowers our engineers to do their best work from anywhere. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of our technological advancements, working on projects with significant global impact. This is a senior role with substantial influence and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and architecture of highly complex and novel systems.


• Define technical requirements, conduct feasibility studies, and develop innovative design concepts.


• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including multi-physics simulations and system-level modeling.


• Mentor and guide other mechanical engineers on the team, fostering technical excellence.


• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and systems engineers, in a remote setting.


• Oversee the development, testing, and validation of critical mechanical components and subsystems.


• Develop and maintain robust technical documentation, design standards, and best practices.


• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and recommend their application.


• Act as a key technical authority and provide strategic direction for mechanical engineering initiatives.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related advanced engineering discipline.


• 15+ years of progressive experience in advanced mechanical design and system engineering, with a demonstrable history of innovation.


• Expertise in complex mechanical systems design, including areas like precision mechanics, robotics, advanced materials, or aerospace.


• Proficiency in advanced CAD, CAE, and simulation tools, with a strong understanding of modeling techniques.


• Proven leadership experience and the ability to technically lead diverse, remote teams.


• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.


• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.


• Experience working in a fast-paced, research-intensive environment, preferably in a remote capacity.


• Published research or significant contributions to engineering innovation are highly valued.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, comprehensive global benefits package, significant bonus potential, and equity options. You will have the autonomy and flexibility to work from anywhere, contributing to revolutionary projects.


• Our client invests heavily in professional development and provides access to the latest tools and resources.


• This is an unparalleled opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to drive innovation at the highest level, working from your preferred location.


• The Upington, Northern Cape region provides context for the role's location, but the position is entirely remote.