Principal Mechanical Engineer - Industrial Machinery Design

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Extended leave

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Mechanical Engineer for its Pretoria, Gauteng facility. This senior role requires leading design and optimization of large-scale industrial machinery, including automation and material handling systems.

You will mentor engineers, shape technical strategy, and drive innovation across product portfolios. The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 12+ years of experience, and proven leadership delivering complex projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years in mechanical design/engineering, with a substantial focus on industrial machinery or complex systems.
• Proven principal or lead engineer delivering major projects.
• Expertise in CAD software (Siemens NX, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (ANSYS, ADAMS).
• In-depth knowledge of mechanisms, kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and machine design principles.
• Experience with precision machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive technical direction for the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design and detailed engineering of large-scale industrial machinery, including automation systems, material handling equipment, and processing machinery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mechanical engineering teams, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including dynamic simulations, thermal management, and reliability studies, to ensure robust designs.
• Oversee the selection of materials and components, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure successful product development and integration.
• Develop and implement validation and testing strategies for new designs and product enhancements.
• Drive the development of technical standards, best practices, and design tools within the engineering department.
• Represent the engineering team in product strategy meetings and interface with key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D./MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ADAMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance industrial machinery, is seeking a distinguished Principal Mechanical Engineer for their facility in Pretoria, Gauteng . This senior role demands extensive expertise in conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing complex mechanical systems for a wide range of industrial applications. You will be responsible for driving innovation, mentoring a team of engineers, and ensuring the technical excellence of our client's product portfolio. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a proven history of leading significant design projects, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence product strategy and contribute to the advancement of industrial automation. We are looking for an influential engineer with a vision for the future of industrial machinery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design and detailed engineering of large-scale industrial machinery, including automation systems, material handling equipment, and processing machinery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mechanical engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including dynamic simulations, thermal management, and reliability studies, to ensure robust and efficient designs.
• Oversee the selection of materials and components, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure successful product development and integration.
• Develop and implement validation and testing strategies for new designs and product enhancements.
• Drive the development of technical standards, best practices, and design tools within the engineering department.
• Represent the engineering team in product strategy meetings and interface with key stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a substantial focus on industrial machinery or complex systems.
• Demonstrated experience in a Principal or lead engineering role, with a track record of successfully delivering major projects.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) and sophisticated simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, ADAMS).
• In-depth knowledge of mechanisms, kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and machine design principles.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes, including precision machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to industrial machinery.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive technical direction for the organization.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including a substantial base salary and significant performance bonuses.
• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families.
• Exceptional retirement savings plan with generous company contributions.
• Extended annual leave and comprehensive paid time off policies.
• Significant budget for professional development, including advanced certifications and global conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development labs and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Opportunity to shape the technological future of a leading global industrial company.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.