Principal Mechanical Engineer - Subsea Equipment

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Home office setup allowances

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote role supporting a global subsea technology leader. You will drive design, development, and lifecycle management of subsea equipment, including ROVs and processing systems, leveraging deep expertise in high‑pressure engineering, materials science, and corrosion prevention.

You will lead complex engineering initiatives, provide senior technical guidance, and ensure reliability and performance while collaborating with clients and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, with 7+ years in subsea/offshore equipment design.
• Proficiency with CAD and simulation tools.
• Strong materials science, metallurgy, welding, NDT and corrosion control knowledge.
• Proven project leadership and ability to guide large subsea projects.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of complex subsea equipment for offshore conditions.
• Create detailed mechanical designs, specifications, and analysis reports for subsea hardware.
• Perform advanced calculations and simulations (FEA/CFD) to validate integrity and performance.
• Select materials and coatings for subsea applications considering corrosion and fatigue life.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, naval architects, and other disciplines.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and qualification of subsea equipment.
• Provide expert technical support across manufacturing, installation, and operation.
• Mentor a global team of mechanical engineers and foster innovation.
• Stay updated on industry standards, codes, and regulatory changes.

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

ANSYS

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in subsea technology and offshore energy solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their remote-first team. This role is critical for the design, development, and lifecycle management of advanced subsea equipment, including ROVs, intervention tools, and subsea processing systems. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in mechanical design, high-pressure systems, materials science, and corrosion prevention in harsh marine environments. You will lead complex engineering initiatives, provide senior technical guidance, and ensure the reliability and performance of our client's cutting-edge subsea assets. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for a seasoned engineer passionate about offshore engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and engineering of complex subsea equipment, ensuring robust performance in challenging offshore conditions.
• Develop detailed mechanical designs, specifications, and analysis reports for subsea hardware, including pressure vessels, actuators, and deployment systems.
• Perform advanced engineering calculations and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate structural integrity, thermal performance, and fluid dynamics.
• Select appropriate materials and coatings for subsea applications, considering factors like pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, naval architects, and other engineering disciplines to define requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and qualification of subsea equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications.
• Provide expert technical support for the manufacturing, installation, and operational phases of subsea projects.
• Mentor and guide a global team of mechanical engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory changes in the subsea and offshore energy sectors.
• Conduct thorough root cause analysis for any equipment failures or performance issues and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 7 years focused on subsea or offshore equipment design.
• Proven expertise in designing high‑pressure equipment, subsea structures, and complex mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD) such as ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation.
• Strong understanding of materials science, metallurgy, welding procedures, NDT, and corrosion control for marine environments.
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership and managing technical aspects of large‑scale subsea projects.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making abilities.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote global team.
• Knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, DNV, ISO).
• Experience with submersible vehicles (ROVs, AUVs) or subsea control systems is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including an attractive salary, comprehensive global health coverage, and a flexible remote work arrangement. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership in the subsea engineering domain. Employees benefit from a dynamic, innovative, and international work environment. Additional perks include performance bonuses, allowances for home office setup, and continuous learning opportunities, all designed to support a thriving remote career.