Principal Mechanical Engineer - 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

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative technology firm renowned for its cutting-edge product development, is seeking an exceptional Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their elite team in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role is pivotal in leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems for next-generation products. The successful candidate will be a technical authority, driving innovation, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of design integrity and performance. This is a demanding, on-site position for an experienced professional looking to make a significant impact in a leading-edge organization. You will be at the forefront of product innovation in a sophisticated Sandton, Gauteng setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems and products from ideation through to market launch.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of mechanical engineers, fostering technical excellence.
• Conduct sophisticated engineering analyses, including advanced FEA, CFD, and multi-physics simulations to validate complex designs.
• Define and maintain mechanical architecture, system requirements, and detailed design specifications.
• Oversee the selection of materials, manufacturing processes, and technology solutions to meet product objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical, software, industrial design, and testing departments, to ensure seamless product integration.
• Drive problem-solving efforts for complex technical challenges, architecting robust and innovative solutions.
• Champion best practices in mechanical engineering, including DFM/DFA, reliability engineering, and design for testability.
• Engage with external suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of product development and technology roadmaps.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related advanced technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical product development, with a strong track record of leading complex projects from concept to production.
• Demonstrated expertise as a technical leader or principal engineer in a demanding product development environment.
• Exceptional proficiency in advanced CAD (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX) and sophisticated simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Deep understanding of a wide range of materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and industry-specific standards.
• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and guide technical teams.
• Experience in areas such as mechatronics, robotics, or high-performance systems is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and deliver successful, market-leading products.

Benefits

• Highly competitive senior-level annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement plan with significant company matching.
• Performance-based bonuses and equity options.
• Substantial opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and attending global conferences.
• Access to state-of-the art research and development facilities.
• A highly stimulating and rewarding work environment in Sandton, Gauteng.