Principal Mechanical Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Durban; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 2.000.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Bonuses

Medical Insurance

Relocation Assistance

R&D access

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Mechanical Engineer for its Durban-based division. The role focuses on leading design teams, solving complex mechanical challenges, and pushing the boundaries of industrial machinery technology.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering with 15+ years of progressive experience, strong leadership, and expert knowledge of CAD/CAE tools such as Siemens NX, ANSYS, and ABAQUS.

Formación

• PhD or MSc in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in heavy industrial machinery.

Responsabilidades

• Provide expert technical leadership to mechanical design teams on complex machinery projects.
• Lead conceptualization, design, and development of novel mechanical systems for heavy industrial applications.
• Conduct advanced analyses including dynamic simulations, fatigue, and thermal management.
• Develop and implement innovative engineering solutions to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Oversee creation and validation of design documentation, specs, and testing protocols.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and field service to ensure seamless product integration.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with suppliers, partners, and customers.
• Promote adoption of new design tools, methodologies, and technologies.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Machinery design

Dynamic analysis

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Problem solving

Decision making

Educación

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Herramientas

Siemens NX

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized manufacturer of high-performance industrial machinery, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior-level position is critical for driving innovation and technical excellence in the design and development of complex machinery. You will be responsible for tackling the most challenging mechanical engineering problems, providing expert guidance to design teams, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our client's extensive product portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience, a deep theoretical and practical understanding of mechanical systems, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering. This role offers the opportunity to significantly influence product strategy and technical direction within a leading industrial enterprise. We are looking for a true technical leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and mentorship to mechanical design teams on complex machinery projects.
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of novel mechanical systems and components for heavy industrial applications.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including dynamic simulations, fatigue analysis, and thermal management, to ensure optimal design performance and longevity.
• Develop and implement innovative engineering solutions to address performance bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs.
• Oversee the creation and validation of detailed design documentation, specifications, and testing protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including production, quality assurance, and field service, to ensure seamless product integration and support.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with key suppliers, partners, and customers.
• Champion the adoption of new design tools, methodologies, and technologies to enhance engineering capabilities.

Requirements

• Doctorate (PhD) or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on the design of complex industrial machinery.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced mechanical design principles, machine dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Proficiency with advanced CAD/CAE software suites (e.g., Siemens NX, ANSYS, ABAQUS) for complex modeling and simulation.
• Proven track record of successfully leading major engineering projects from concept through to production.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Published work or patents in relevant engineering fields are a strong asset.
• Professional Engineer (PE) status or eligibility for registration with ECSA.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary package with substantial annual bonuses.
• Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with robust retirement benefits.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, attending international symposiums, and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.
• Key role in shaping the future of industrial automation and manufacturing technology.