Remote Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,969,000 - 2,953,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office allowance

Flexible schedule

Global team collaboration

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. You will drive the design and development of groundbreaking mechanical solutions, mentor senior engineers, and set the technical direction for innovation and execution on a global team.

As a remote-first leader, you will shape product strategy, oversee complex analyses, and foster technical excellence across projects, influencing decisions and adoption of new technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of extensive mechanical design experience with lead/principal duties.
• Expertise in CAD and simulation tools: SolidWorks, ANSYS, COMSOL.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and development of complex mechanical systems from concept to production.
• Define technical roadmaps and set strategic direction for mechanical engineering initiatives.
• Perform and guide advanced engineering analysis, including FEA, CFD, and multi-physics simulations.
• Mentor and guide a team of senior and principal engineers.
• Collaborate with R&D, Product Management, and Manufacturing to align on strategy.
• Develop and implement best practices in mechanical design, DFM/DFA, and reliability engineering.
• Oversee critical design reviews and provide technical guidance.
• Represent the mechanical engineering function in high-level stakeholder discussions.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and drive their adoption.
• Resolve challenging technical issues across the product lifecycle.

Skills

Leadership

CAD/Simulation

Mechanical design

FEA/CFD

Remote collaboration

Manufacturing knowledge

Materials science

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is looking for a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. Our client requires a senior technical leader to drive the design and development of groundbreaking mechanical solutions. This role is critical for setting the technical direction, mentoring senior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of innovation and execution. As a remote-first opportunity, you will collaborate with a talented global team, leveraging advanced digital tools to deliver exceptional results. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of mechanical product development, working on challenging projects that push the boundaries of engineering excellence. Your expertise will guide strategic decisions and inspire technical advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of complex mechanical systems and products from concept to mass production.
• Define technical roadmaps and set strategic direction for mechanical engineering initiatives.
• Perform and guide advanced engineering analysis, including complex FEA, CFD, and multi-physics simulations.
• Mentor and guide a team of senior and principal engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., R&D, Product Management, Manufacturing) to align on product strategy and execution.
• Develop and implement best practices in mechanical design, DFM/DFA, and reliability engineering.
• Oversee critical design reviews and provide authoritative technical guidance.
• Represent the mechanical engineering function in high-level technical discussions with stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and drive their adoption within the organization.
• Resolve the most challenging technical issues encountered during the product development lifecycle.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related highly technical field.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion in a Principal or Lead Engineer capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing complex mechanical systems for demanding applications.
• Mastery of advanced CAD and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and delivering innovative, high-impact products.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience working effectively in a remote, globally distributed team environment.
• Deep understanding of various manufacturing processes and materials science.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering maximum flexibility and the opportunity to work with a cutting-edge company on impactful projects. Our client offers a top-tier compensation package, including an excellent salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. You will have access to a generous budget for professional development, conferences, and home office equipment. This role provides a unique platform for leadership and technical influence within a globally recognized organization, allowing you to shape the future of mechanical engineering from anywhere.