Remote Principal Mechanical Engineer - Product Innovation

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,324,000 - 3,485,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health benefits

Remote work schedule

Home office allowance

Professional development budget

Team-building events

Job summary

Placements24's client, a visionary technology company, seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a fully remote, global product development team. You will lead ideation through proof-of-concept, shaping advanced mechanical systems for next-generation products with strong collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities include defining technical strategy for mechanical systems, conducting research, designing architectures and components, mentoring engineers, and overseeing prototyping in a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 15+ years in mechanical engineering with R&D/advanced product development experience.
• Proven track record of bringing novel concepts to fruition.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering for early-stage product innovation and concept development.
• Define and drive the technical strategy for mechanical systems in new product categories.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and applied research for novel mechanical solutions.
• Develop system architectures, component designs, and performance specs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Oversee prototyping and validation of innovative concepts.
• Mentor engineers within the product innovation group.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Remote leadership

Education

Ph.D. or Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Finite Element Analysis

CFD

Multibody dynamics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary technology company at the forefront of disruptive innovation, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their fully remote, global product development team. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a seasoned engineer to lead the conceptualization and realization of groundbreaking mechanical systems for next-generation products. You will be instrumental in driving innovation from ideation through to proof-of-concept, working across diverse disciplines and leveraging your extensive expertise to overcome complex challenges. The role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of mechanical principles, advanced materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. As a remote-first position, exceptional communication and collaboration skills are paramount. You will contribute significantly to the company's product roadmap and technological advancements, all while enjoying the flexibility of a remote work arrangement. Our client is committed to fostering an environment where pioneering ideas can flourish and where exceptional engineering talent can make a profound impact on the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering efforts for early-stage product innovation and concept development.
• Define and drive the technical strategy for mechanical systems in new product categories.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and applied research to explore novel mechanical solutions.
• Develop detailed system architectures, component designs, and performance specifications.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, research) in a virtual environment.
• Oversee prototyping and experimental validation of innovative mechanical concepts.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and materials relevant to product innovation.
• Act as a technical authority and mentor for other engineers within the product innovation group.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related advanced technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to R&D, innovation, or advanced product development.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully bringing novel mechanical concepts to fruition.
• Expertise in areas such as complex mechanisms, advanced materials, thermal management, or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation and modeling tools (e.g., finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, multibody dynamics).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding virtual communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire technical teams remotely.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package, including significant equity options.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Flexible remote work schedule with a generous home office allowance.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge, game-changing technologies.
• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and advanced training.
• High degree of autonomy and the chance to shape future product directions.
• Regular virtual team-building events and collaboration opportunities.