Principal Mechanical Engineer - Remote Global Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work setup

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Learning opportunities

Work from anywhere in South Africa

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a remote-first role supporting distributed global sites. You will design, troubleshoot, and optimize large-scale mechanical systems with a focus on reliability, safety, and efficiency.

You will lead advanced calculations, simulations (FEA/CFD), and maintenance programs, while mentoring engineers and coordinating cross-functional teams from a home office in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, industrial systems or complex machinery.
• Expertise in CAD (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Experience developing maintenance programs and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems for remote sites.
• Create and maintain schematics, P&IDs, technical specs, and manuals.
• Analyze existing systems to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Perform calculations and simulations (FEA, CFD) and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with electrical, control, and field teams in a remote setting.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide expert support to remote site personnel.
• Research new technologies to enhance performance.
• Manage multiple complex projects with timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a remote-first role supporting distributed global sites. You will design, troubleshoot, and optimize large-scale mechanical systems with a focus on reliability, safety, and efficiency.

You will lead advanced calculations, simulations (FEA/CFD), and maintenance programs, while mentoring engineers and coordinating cross-functional teams from a home office in South Africa.