Principal Mechanical Engineer - Remote Operations Specialist

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

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in advanced manufacturing solutions and is looking for a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their fully remote team. This critical role will focus on overseeing and optimizing the mechanical aspects of our distributed operational infrastructure, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety across all remote sites. You will leverage your extensive expertise to design, troubleshoot, and improve complex mechanical systems that support our global operations from the comfort of your home office. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned engineer to make a substantial impact on a globally recognized company, working in a flexible, remote-first environment based in George, Western Cape, though the role is fully remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems for remote operational sites, ensuring robust performance and scalability.
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including schematics, P&IDs, technical specifications, and maintenance manuals.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of existing mechanical systems to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform advanced engineering calculations, simulations (FEA, CFD), and risk assessments to validate designs and predict system behavior.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, control system specialists, and field technicians, in a remote setting.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies and troubleshooting guides for critical mechanical equipment.
• Provide expert technical support and guidance to remote site personnel, resolving complex mechanical issues as they arise.
• Research and recommend new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance operational performance.
• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to high engineering standards.
• Ensure all designs and implemented solutions comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Over 10 years of comprehensive experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on industrial systems, plant operations, or complex machinery.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting large-scale mechanical systems.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing maintenance programs and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to a remote audience.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and able to work effectively with minimal supervision in a remote environment.
• Experience with project management principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity with international engineering standards and best practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary reflecting principal-level expertise.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support.
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan contributions.
• Significant opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Work from anywhere within South Africa with reliable internet access.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and global projects.