Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Unlimited PTO

Professional development budget

Stock options

Remote team events

Company laptop

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive powertrain design and validation in a fully remote role. You will oversee the end-to-end mechanical engineering lifecycle, mentor engineers, and shape the technical roadmap.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years in powertrain development, strong CAD (Siemens NX or Creo) and PLM experience, plus proven remote leadership and a passion for EV/HEV technology.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 10+ years in mechanical eng with powertrain focus.
• Experience leading remote or distributed teams.
• Proficient CAD/PLM, FEA/CFD tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of mechanical design for powertrain systems remotely.
• Perform thermal, structural, and vibration analyses with advanced tools.
• Create specs, CAD models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Oversee prototypes, testing, and data validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional remote teams to meet goals.
• Mentor engineers and drive tech roadmap and innovations.

Skills

Powertrain design

Remote leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Creo

PLM systems

ANSYS

Abaqus

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking an exceptional Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead our powertrain development initiatives. This fully remote position allows you to contribute your expertise from anywhere, with a strong emphasis on our collaborative virtual environment. You will be responsible for guiding the design, analysis, and validation of advanced powertrain systems, driving innovation in efficiency and performance. This role is critical in shaping the future of our product line and requires a candidate with a proven track record in leading complex engineering projects and a passion for cutting-edge technology. As a remote-first organization, we prioritize seamless communication and digital collaboration tools to ensure that geographical boundaries do not impede progress. You will be joining a team that values autonomy, innovation, and delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining technical roadmaps, mentoring a talented team of engineers, and ensuring the successful delivery of next‑generation powertrain solutions. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact from the comfort of your own home office, leveraging cutting‑edge tools and methodologies. The focus on remote work ensures maximum flexibility and accessibility for top talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the entire lifecycle of mechanical design for innovative powertrain systems, from initial concept through to production, in a fully remote setting.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including thermal, structural, and vibration analysis, using state-of-the-art simulation tools.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical specifications, CAD models, drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Oversee and direct prototype builds, experimental testing, and data analysis, ensuring robust validation of designs.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional remote teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing partners, to achieve project goals.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to a team of mechanical engineers, fostering professional growth and ensuring high‑quality output.
• Identify and implement new technologies and design methodologies to enhance powertrain efficiency, reliability, and performance.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables for powertrain development, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technology roadmap for future powertrain systems.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong specialization in powertrain design and development.
• Demonstrated success in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects, ideally in a remote or distributed work environment.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Creo) and PLM systems.
• Expertise in using simulation software for FEA (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) and CFD.
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, material science, and mechanical vibrations relevant to powertrain systems.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a remote team setting.
• Experience with electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote work context.
• A strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R, reflecting the senior and remote nature of the role.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and ongoing remote work expenses.
• Unlimited paid time off policy.
• Annual professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Stock options and performance‑based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technology with a globally distributed, talented team.
• Company-provided high‑performance laptop and software licenses.
• Regular virtual team‑building events and social activities.