Principal Mechanical Engineer - Robotics

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement planning

Performance-based bonuses

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of advanced robotic systems in a fully remote role. You will drive architecture, select components, and oversee subsystem integration from home, shaping next‑gen automation platforms.

You will mentor engineers, perform FEA-driven analyses, and collaborate with electrical and software teams. This senior position rewards strategic thinking, innovation, and strong communication in a distributed team.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10-12+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with robotics/automation exposure.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex engineering projects and teams.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software and sophisticated FEA/simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of mechatronics, dynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes relevant to robotics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for remote work.
• Experience with agile development methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex robotic systems from concept to production.
• Define the mechanical architecture and oversee integration of subsystems.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis including stress, dynamics, thermal, and vibration simulations.
• Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and Bills of Materials.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers in a remote environment.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and control system teams across projects.
• Establish design standards, best practices, and quality controls.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of robotic systems.
• Research emerging technologies in robotics and mechanical engineering.
• Present proposals and project status to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

FEA/Simulation

Job description

About the Role

Become a key contributor at the forefront of innovation as a Principal Mechanical Engineer , specializing in robotics and automation, with this fully remote position. Our client is a leader in developing advanced robotic systems for various industries, and they are seeking a senior-level engineer to drive the mechanical design and development of their next-generation platforms. You will lead complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and define the mechanical architecture for cutting‑edge robotic solutions. This role demands exceptional technical depth, strategic thinking, and the ability to excel in a remote, collaborative environment. You will have the opportunity to influence product direction, tackle significant engineering challenges, and contribute to the advancement of automation technology from your home office. This position is integral to shaping the future of our client's robotic offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex robotic systems and components, from concept to production.
• Define the mechanical architecture, select key components, and oversee the integration of robotic subsystems.
• Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including stress, dynamics, thermal, and vibration simulations using sophisticated FEA tools.
• Develop and maintain detailed CAD models, drawings, and comprehensive Bills of Materials.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical leadership and fostering innovation.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and control system specialists in a virtual environment.
• Establish and enforce mechanical design standards, best practices, and quality control procedures.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation phases, ensuring robust and reliable system performance.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies in robotics and mechanical engineering.
• Present technical proposals, design reviews, and project status updates to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with significant expertise in robotics or automation systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing complex engineering projects and teams.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX) and sophisticated FEA/simulation tools.
• Deep understanding of mechatronics, kinematics, dynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes relevant to robotics.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills suitable for remote work.
• Proven ability to drive technical innovation and deliver complex projects successfully.
• Experience with agile development methodologies is a plus.
• Must have a strong internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with a principal-level role, alongside an exceptional benefits package including comprehensive health coverage, retirement planning, and significant performance-based bonuses. This role provides the ultimate flexibility with its fully remote nature, allowing for work-life balance. You will have access to challenging and groundbreaking projects, working with a world-class team on the cutting edge of robotic technology. Opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and contributing to strategic company initiatives are abundant. This remote position is associated with our client's primary operations near Mossel Bay , representing a hub of innovation.