Principal Mechanical Engineer — R&D Leader & Mentor

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health & retirement benefits

Development budget

R&D facilities access

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead our advanced R&D team in Centurion. You will tackle the most complex mechanical challenges and shape the engineering roadmap.

You will mentor engineers, drive design, analysis, prototyping and testing, and provide technical authority in reviews and strategic planning. The role offers equity options, plus health, retirement, and development benefits in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 12+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer with proven technical leadership.
• Deep expertise in mechanical engineering areas (materials, mechatronics, robotics, or thermal management).
• Mastery of CAD/CAE tools and advanced simulation methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and strategic vision for mechanical engineering in new product development and improvements.
• Lead complex design projects from conceptualization to testing.
• Develop and implement advanced engineering methodologies and tools to enhance design efficiency and performance.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis of intricate mechanical systems using simulations and validation.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers, acting as a technical authority.
• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in reviews and strategic planning.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Stakeholder management

CAD/CAE tools

Simulation

Education

PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead our advanced R&D team in Centurion. You will tackle the most complex mechanical challenges and shape the engineering roadmap.

You will mentor engineers, drive design, analysis, prototyping and testing, and provide technical authority in reviews and strategic planning. The role offers equity options, plus health, retirement, and development benefits in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment.