Remote Mechanical Engineer - Automation Systems

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote flexibility

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Retirement match

Professional development

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is actively seeking a Remote Mechanical Engineer to join a distributed product development team. This role focuses on designing automated machinery and robotic systems from a home office, collaborating with engineers, software developers, and project managers worldwide.

You will apply kinematics and mechatronics expertise, develop detailed 3D CAD models, and document designs for manufacturing. A strong remote-work mindset and excellent communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in mechanical design, with emphasis on automation/robotics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, mechatronics, and machine design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and detail mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and systems for automated equipment and robotic platforms.
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using industry-standard software.
• Perform mechanical analyses (stress, dynamics, kinematics) to optimize designs.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and control engineers for integrated systems.
• Specify mechanical components (motors, actuators, bearings, gears, sensors).
• Develop and document testing procedures for subsystems and complete systems.
• Troubleshoot design issues and propose solutions across the lifecycle.

Skills

Kinematics

Mechatronics

Remote collaboration

CAD modeling

Engineering documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation and robotics, is actively seeking a talented Remote Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative product development team. This position is designed for a self-motivated individual who thrives in a remote-first environment and possesses a strong background in designing automated machinery and robotic systems. You will play a key role in conceptualizing, designing, and refining mechanical aspects of our automated solutions, contributing to projects that are shaping the future of manufacturing efficiency. Working from the comfort of your home office, you will collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers, software developers, and project managers, utilizing cutting-edge digital tools to bring complex ideas to life. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of mechanical principles, kinematics, and mechatronics. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in automation engineering while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration, irrespective of geographical location. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving the development of high-performance, reliable automation systems that meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and detail mechanical components, sub-assemblies, and systems for industrial automation equipment and robotic platforms.
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using industry-standard software.
• Perform mechanical simulations and analyses (e.g., stress, strain, kinematic, dynamic) to optimize designs for performance, durability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and control system specialists to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with other disciplines.
• Specify and select appropriate mechanical components, including motors, actuators, bearings, gears, and sensors.
• Develop and document testing procedures for mechanical subsystems and complete systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical design issues and provide solutions throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and tools within the engineering team.
• Maintain clear and concise technical documentation and communicate design progress effectively through virtual channels.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, robotics, and mechanical engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on automation, robotics, or machinery design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) is essential.
• Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, mechatronics, and machine design principles.
• Experience with mechanical analysis tools (e.g., FEA, modal analysis) is a plus.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and virtual collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems and sensor integration is advantageous.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• This is a fully remote position, requiring a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Remote work flexibility, eliminating commute time and costs.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for professional development, online courses, and certifications.
• Access to a virtual collaboration platform and digital engineering tools.
• Supportive team culture focused on innovation and continuous learning.
• Potential for advancement into senior or lead engineering roles.
• Home office stipend or reimbursement for essential equipment.