Remote Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Software access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role within a cutting-edge renewable energy company. You will lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems, leveraging CAD tools and simulation to deliver concepts to production across a global team.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience, mastery of SolidWorks/AutoCAD/CATIA, and a proven track record mentoring engineers while ensuring performance, cost, and manufacturability targets are met.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and engineering.
• Proven experience leading design projects from concept to production.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and teamwork, especially remote.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of complex mechanical systems and components.
• Utilize advanced CAD software for 3D modeling, drafting, and simulation (FEA, CFD).
• Oversee design lifecycle from concept through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers to integrate systems.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers to grow technical contributions.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote opportunity, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for leading the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge energy solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, extensive experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA), and a proven track record of managing complex design projects from concept to production. Your role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring that designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturability requirements. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with exceptional leadership skills who thrives in a dynamic, remote-first environment. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on sustainable energy technologies while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of energy through innovative mechanical design. Your contributions will drive the development of next-generation hardware for critical energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of complex mechanical systems and components.
• Utilize advanced CAD software for 3D modeling, drafting, and simulation (FEA, CFD).
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers to integrate mechanical systems.
• Conduct design reviews, identify potential issues, and implement robust solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers, fostering their technical growth and project contributions.
• Ensure designs adhere to performance specifications, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and cost targets.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and manufacturing partners for component sourcing and production.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including BOMs, drawings, and test reports.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in mechanical design and renewable energy.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design and engineering.
• Proven experience leading design projects from concept to production.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills, particularly in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineering talent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with renewable energy technologies is highly desirable.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup for remote work.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work arrangement with excellent flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on impactful renewable energy projects.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge design and simulation software.
• Be part of a mission-driven company focused on sustainability.