Remote Principal Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement planning

Performance-based bonuses

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of advanced robotic systems in a fully remote role. You will drive architecture, select components, and oversee subsystem integration from home, shaping next‑gen automation platforms.

You will mentor engineers, perform FEA-driven analyses, and collaborate with electrical and software teams. This senior position rewards strategic thinking, innovation, and strong communication in a distributed team.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10-12+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with robotics/automation exposure.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex engineering projects and teams.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software and sophisticated FEA/simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of mechatronics, dynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes relevant to robotics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for remote work.
• Experience with agile development methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex robotic systems from concept to production.
• Define the mechanical architecture and oversee integration of subsystems.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis including stress, dynamics, thermal, and vibration simulations.
• Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and Bills of Materials.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical engineers in a remote environment.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and control system teams across projects.
• Establish design standards, best practices, and quality controls.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of robotic systems.
• Research emerging technologies in robotics and mechanical engineering.
• Present proposals and project status to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

FEA/Simulation

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of advanced robotic systems in a fully remote role. You will drive architecture, select components, and oversee subsystem integration from home, shaping next‑gen automation platforms.

You will mentor engineers, perform FEA-driven analyses, and collaborate with electrical and software teams. This senior position rewards strategic thinking, innovation, and strong communication in a distributed team.