Principal Mechanical Engineer - Research & Development (Remote)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development budgets

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead remote R&D initiatives for next-generation mechanical systems.

You will drive innovation, supervise advanced modeling and validation, and mentor engineering teams while collaborating with product and business units across locations. This role emphasizes strategic R&D leadership and technical excellence in a fully remote setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 12+ years of extensive experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on R&D and innovation.
• Proven ability to develop and bring innovative mechanical solutions to market.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation and modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and prototyping of novel mechanical systems for next-generation products.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and experimental research to explore new principles and technologies.
• Develop and validate complex engineering models and simulations using state-of-the-art software tools.
• Author technical documentation, papers, and patent applications from R&D activities.
• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to engineering teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their elite Research & Development team. This is a distinguished opportunity to drive innovation and shape the future of mechanical systems within a fully remote setting. You will be at the forefront of technological advancement, tackling complex engineering challenges and developing groundbreaking solutions. We are looking for an individual with a profound technical depth, a passion for discovery, and the ability to lead R&D initiatives remotely. Your contributions will have a significant impact on our client's product roadmap and technological leadership. This role is connected to our presence in Rustenburg, North West, ZA , but is executed entirely remotely, offering you maximum flexibility and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and prototyping of novel mechanical systems and components for next-generation products.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and experimental research to explore new engineering principles and technologies.
• Develop and validate complex engineering models and simulations using state-of-the-art software tools.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies that could enhance product performance or create new market opportunities.
• Author technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications resulting from R&D activities.
• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to engineering teams across the organization.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering, materials science, and related fields.
• Collaborate with product management and business development teams to align R&D efforts with market needs and strategic goals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of extensive experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on R&D and innovation.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: advanced materials, mechatronics, robotics, thermal management, or advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and bringing innovative mechanical solutions to market.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation and modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Previous success working in a remote R&D environment is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Our client offers a truly exceptional remote work experience, providing the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to impactful research.
• You will receive a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and significant opportunities for intellectual and professional growth.
• We invest in our Principal Engineers with access to leading-edge tools and technologies, as well as generous budgets for professional development.
• Join a team of brilliant minds and contribute to shaping the future of technology from your remote workspace, with ties to our operations in Rustenburg, North West, ZA .