Principal Mechanical Engineer: Lead Advanced Mech Systems

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health insurance

Retirement plan

Bonuses and equity

Global conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex product development in Sandton, Gauteng. You will drive advanced mechanical design, mentor engineers, and set architecture and performance targets for next‑generation systems.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years in product development, and expertise in CATIA/Siemens NX and ANSYS/Abaqus for cutting‑edge simulations. On‑site collaboration is essential for this senior position.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive mechanical product development experience.
• Experience leading complex projects from concept to production.
• Expertise in CAD and advanced simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of advanced mechanical systems from ideation to launch.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers.
• Perform advanced analyses (FEA, CFD, multi-physics) to validate designs.
• Define mechanical architecture, requirements and detailed specs.
• Oversee materials, manufacturing processes, and technology choices.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, industrial design and testing teams.
• Drive innovation and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Promote DFM/DFA, reliability, and design-for-testability practices.
• Engage suppliers and stakeholders to align on objectives.
• Contribute to strategic product development directions and roadmaps.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex product development in Sandton, Gauteng. You will drive advanced mechanical design, mentor engineers, and set architecture and performance targets for next‑generation systems.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years in product development, and expertise in CATIA/Siemens NX and ANSYS/Abaqus for cutting‑edge simulations. On‑site collaboration is essential for this senior position.