Remote Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,994,000 - 2,991,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive remuneration

Work from your preferred location

Exposure to cutting-edge R&D projects

Intellectually stimulating environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Remote Mechanical Design Engineer to join a pioneering R&D firm focused on advanced materials science. You will design intricate mechanical systems, run CAD/FEA simulations, and collaborate with a global team to translate research into prototypes and products.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science, with 7+ years in design and expertise in SOLIDWORKS/CATIA/NX and ANSYS/COMSOL.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years in mechanical design within R&D environments.
• Extensive experience with advanced CAD software and PLM systems.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software for complex material-related simulations.
• Experience with advanced materials and material testing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing in design.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, fixtures, and experimental setups for advanced materials.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and documentation using CAD tools.
• Perform stress, thermal, fatigue, and fracture mechanics simulations using FEA.
• Collaborate with distributed scientists and engineers to integrate material properties into designs.
• Assist in material selection and verification against performance requirements.
• Oversee fabrication of prototypes and coordinate with remote manufacturing partners.
• Plan and execute validation testing and iterate designs based on results.
• Contribute to IP generation with innovative design solutions.
• Maintain design history files and project documentation in a secure environment.
• Stay informed on materials science and manufacturing advancements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

CATIA

NX

ANSYS

COMSOL

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development firm at the forefront of advanced materials science and engineering, is seeking a highly innovative and experienced Remote Mechanical Design Engineer. This fully remote position is perfect for a self-starter who excels in conceptualizing and designing intricate mechanical systems for cutting-edge applications involving novel materials. You will collaborate with a global team of scientists and engineers to translate groundbreaking research into tangible prototypes and viable product designs. The ideal candidate is passionate about material science, possesses exceptional CAD and simulation skills, and thrives in a dynamic, research-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to work remotely on projects that will shape future technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, fixtures, and experimental setups for applications involving advanced materials (e.g., composites, ceramics, high-performance alloys).
• Create detailed 3D models, precise engineering drawings, and comprehensive documentation using advanced CAD software.
• Conduct sophisticated mechanical analyses, including stress, thermal, fatigue, and fracture mechanics simulations, leveraging FEA tools.
• Collaborate closely with a distributed team of material scientists, physicists, and engineers to understand material properties and integrate them into designs.
• Support the selection and characterization of materials, ensuring design compatibility and performance requirements are met.
• Oversee and guide the fabrication of prototypes and experimental apparatus, working with remote manufacturing partners or internal facilities.
• Plan and execute validation testing for designed components and systems, analyzing results and iterating on designs.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through innovative design solutions.
• Maintain meticulous project documentation and design history files in a secure digital environment.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements in materials science, additive manufacturing, and mechanical design methodologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with a proven track record in research and development environments.
• Extensive experience with advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, NX) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for complex simulations, particularly related to material behavior.
• Demonstrated experience working with and designing for advanced materials.
• Strong understanding of material properties, failure mechanisms, and material testing techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality results in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes and their application in design.

Benefits

• This remote contractor role offers highly competitive remuneration commensurate with your advanced qualifications and experience.
• Enjoy the flexibility of working from your preferred location while contributing to pioneering research.
• You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of science and technology.
• Our client values creativity, innovation, and intellectual curiosity, providing an intellectually stimulating environment.
• This engagement offers significant experience in advanced R&D and the potential for continued collaboration.