Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer - Product Innovation

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Stock options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote role focused on advancing next-generation products in advanced materials and consumer electronics. You will guide the mechanical design from concept through mass production, mentor a remote team of engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, high-performance solutions.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, innovative design, and the ability to manage multiple projects asynchronously in a distributed

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; PhD is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience bringing complex consumer electronics or advanced material products to market.
• Expertise in 3D CAD tools and advanced simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design efforts for new product development from concept to manufacturing release.
• Mentor and guide a remote team of mechanical engineers.
• Oversee design, analysis (FEA, CFD), prototyping, and testing of complex components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with industrial design, electronics, software, and operations to achieve integrated solutions.
• Drive material and manufacturing process selection to optimize performance, cost, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, specifications, drawings, and test plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design challenges throughout the lifecycle.
• Stay ahead of ME engineering trends and opportunities for innovation.
• Manage project timelines and resources in a remote setting.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD is a plus

Tools

Fusion 360

Onshape

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm specializing in advanced materials and consumer electronics, is seeking a talented and visionary Lead Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative product development team. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility while working on groundbreaking projects. You will lead the mechanical design and development of next-generation products, from initial concept through to mass production. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, and a proven ability to drive innovation in a fast-paced, remote environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our product offerings and mentoring a team of talented engineers. This role requires a strategic thinker with a passion for creating exceptional user experiences through superior mechanical design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design efforts for new product development, from concept ideation to manufacturing release.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing remote work culture.
• Oversee the design, analysis (FEA, CFD), prototyping, and testing of complex mechanical components and assemblies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including industrial design, electronics, software, and operations, to achieve integrated product solutions.
• Drive the selection of appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to optimize for performance, cost, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, drawings, and test plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay at the forefront of mechanical engineering technologies and trends, identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively within a remote setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design and product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in bringing complex consumer electronics or advanced material products to market.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, Onshape) and advanced simulation tools.
• Strong knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC machining, etc.), and DFM/DFA principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote team management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver results in a dynamic, remote environment.
• Experience with battery-powered devices and miniaturization techniques.
• Proficiency with remote collaboration tools and project management software.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary and bonus structure, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and stock options for eligible employees. As a fully remote position, you enjoy the ultimate flexibility in your work environment. We invest in our employees' growth through extensive professional development programs and opportunities for advancement. Join a groundbreaking company that values innovation, creativity, and impact. This role, based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, operates entirely remotely, allowing you to contribute to world-class product development from anywhere.