Principal Mechanical Engineer - Renewable Energy Systems

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Home office setup allowance

Premium health, dental, and life plans

Generous retirement plan with company匹

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of innovative renewable energy systems in a fully remote role. The engineer will own the mechanical architecture of large-scale projects from concept through deployment, guiding a globally distributed team.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in mechanical engineering, with deep thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science expertise, and a proven track record of leading complex design programs.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with a focus on renewable energy systems or large-scale engineered products.
• Proven track record leading complex mechanical design projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and structural analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote, international teams.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead mechanical design and engineering for renewable energy systems (solar, wind, storage).
• Develop system-level concepts, architectures, and detailed designs.
• Perform stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics analyses to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a remote setting for integration.
• Oversee materials and component selection; ensure compliance with standards.
• Create and manage technical documentation and manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers across the global team.
• Identify and mitigate mechanical risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and incorporate them into designs.
• Lead R&D initiatives to improve energy conversion efficiency and longevity.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Our client, a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of innovative renewable energy systems. This is a fully remote position, offering the chance to shape the future of green technology from anywhere. You will be responsible for the mechanical architecture of large-scale energy projects, from conceptualization through to commercial deployment. This role requires a visionary engineer with a deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material science as applied to energy generation. You will work with a globally distributed team of experts, driving complex mechanical challenges to successful resolution. Our commitment to a remote-first culture ensures you have the resources and flexibility to excel, focusing on groundbreaking work that makes a real difference to our planet.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the mechanical design and engineering for advanced renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and energy storage solutions.
• Develop system-level mechanical concepts, architectures, and detailed designs, considering performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct in-depth engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics simulations, to optimize system performance and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (electrical, civil, software) in a remote setting to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components and systems.
• Oversee the selection of materials and components, ensuring compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage detailed technical documentation, including schematics, specifications, and manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the global team.
• Identify and mitigate potential mechanical risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the renewable energy sector, and proactively incorporate them into designs.
• Lead and contribute to research and development initiatives focused on enhancing energy conversion efficiency and system longevity.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy systems or large-scale engineered products.
• Proven track record in leading complex mechanical design projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and structural analysis.
• Proficiency with advanced CAD (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and CAE/FEA simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to tackle highly complex technical challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with a remote, international team.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and a passion for mentoring engineers.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive results in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Top-tier compensation package reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.
• Full remote work flexibility with a comprehensive home office setup allowance.
• Premium health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Generous retirement plan with significant company matching.
• Substantial opportunities for professional growth, attending leading industry conferences, and publishing research.
• A collaborative and impactful work environment focused on advancing sustainable energy.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate global collaboration.
• Stock options or performance-based bonuses.