Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer — Robotics & Prototyping

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Home office stipend

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer for a global robotics leader. You will oversee design, development, and rapid prototyping of advanced robotic systems while managing a remote team across SA.

This role emphasizes strong CAD and simulation skills, project leadership, and collaboration with software and electrical teams; remote-first culture with flexible work-from-anywhere in South Africa; competitive package.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of mechanical design and robotics experience.
• Experience leading remote engineering teams.
• Expert CAD and simulation proficiency.
• Knowledge of prototyping methods (SLA, SLS, FDM, CNC).
• Strong control systems, actuators and sensors knowledge.
• Excellent remote communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience with Agile development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for robotic platforms, ensuring performance and reliability.
• Mentor and manage a remote team of engineers.
• Oversee rapid prototyping: SLA/SLS/FDM printing and CNC machining.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Conduct design reviews, simulations, and testing.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems teams.
• Drive design process improvements and manufacturing quality.
• Stay ahead of robotics and automation trends.
• Produce technical documentation and presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

CAD: SolidWorks

CAD: Inventor

CAD: Onshape

FEA/CFD simulations

Prototyping methods

Control systems

Materials science

Agile

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Onshape

ANSYS

3D printing

CNC machining

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Mechanical Engineer for a global robotics leader. You will oversee design, development, and rapid prototyping of advanced robotic systems while managing a remote team across SA.

This role emphasizes strong CAD and simulation skills, project leadership, and collaboration with software and electrical teams; remote-first culture with flexible work-from-anywhere in South Africa; competitive package.