Remote Mechanical Design Engineer - Sustainable Packaging

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Mechanical Design Engineer to develop sustainable packaging systems. You will design mechanical components, create 3D CAD models, run simulations, and select materials while collaborating with a distributed team.

You will contribute to the full product lifecycle, from concept to validated designs, while maintaining high standards of quality and environmental responsibility in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and PDM systems.
• Experience with FEA or mechanical simulation tools, required.
• Interest in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for sustainable packaging solutions.
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Conduct mechanical analysis including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations.
• Research sustainable materials for packaging applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Develop prototypes and perform testing to validate design performance.
• Optimize designs for mass production, cost, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Prepare technical documentation and design reports for remote reviews.
• Stay updated on trends in sustainable packaging and mechanical design.
• Communicate proactively with team members and stakeholders in a remote environment.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

PDM systems

Sustainable materials

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

PDM software

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking company dedicated to developing sustainable solutions in packaging, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Remote Mechanical Design Engineer . This role is pivotal in designing innovative and eco-friendly packaging systems and components. Leveraging your expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and CAD, you will contribute to the entire product development lifecycle, from concept generation to detailed design and validation. This is a unique opportunity to work remotely and contribute to a company that is at the forefront of sustainable innovation. You will collaborate closely with a distributed team of designers, material scientists, and sustainability experts to create packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact while meeting performance and cost requirements. We are looking for an engineer passionate about sustainability and driven by creative problem-solving in a remote-first setting. Your contributions will directly shape the future of responsible packaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on functionality, manufacturability, and environmental impact.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using industry-standard software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Conduct mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Research and select appropriate sustainable materials (e.g., recycled content, biodegradable polymers, bio-based materials) for packaging applications.
• Collaborate virtually with cross-functional teams, including industrial designers, sustainability specialists, and manufacturing partners.
• Develop prototypes and conduct testing to validate design performance, durability, and usability.
• Optimize designs for mass production, considering factors like cost, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, design reports, and presentations for remote project reviews.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in sustainable packaging and mechanical design.
• Proactively communicate and coordinate with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful outcomes in a remote work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and PDM systems.
• Experience with mechanical simulation tools (FEA) is required.
• A strong interest in and understanding of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes is essential.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Experience with packaging design or related consumer product development is a plus.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office environment for remote work.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and performance-based incentives. Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to specialize in sustainable design and work on cutting-edge packaging solutions. You will be part of a passionate, globally distributed team committed to environmental responsibility. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, autonomy, and continuous learning, offering a truly rewarding remote career experience. Specific details regarding benefits and work arrangements will be discussed during the virtual interview process.