Remote Senior Chemical Engineer - Lead R&D & Scale-Up

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead R&D efforts in developing next-generation mechanical systems. This fully remote role focuses on innovative design, modeling, and validation, with occasional collaboration with Rustenburg-based teams.

You will guide prototyping, run simulations, publish research outputs, and mentor engineers while aligning R&D with market needs and strategic goals. A PhD or Master’s degree is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree required.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and prototyping of novel mechanical systems and components.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and experimental research to explore new engineering principles and technologies.
• Develop and validate engineering models and simulations using state-of-the-art software tools.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance product performance or create new market opportunities.
• Author technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications from R&D activities.
• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Stay abreast of advancements in mechanical engineering, materials science, and related fields.
• Collaborate with product management and business development to align R&D with market needs.

Education

PhD or Master’s degree

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Research & Development (Remote)

About the Role Our client is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their elite Research & Development team. This is a distinguished opportunity to drive innovation and shape the future of mechanical systems within a fully remote setting. You will be at the forefront of technological advancement, tackling complex engineering challenges and developing groundbreaking solutions. We are looking for an individual with a profound technical depth, a passion for discovery, and the ability to lead R&D initiatives remotely. Your contributions will have a significant impact on our client’s product roadmap and technological leadership. This role is connected to our presence in Rustenburg, North West, ZA , but is executed entirely remotely, offering you maximum flexibility and autonomy.

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and prototyping of novel mechanical systems and components for next-generation products.
• Conduct advanced theoretical and experimental research to explore new engineering principles and technologies.
• Develop and validate complex engineering models and simulations using state-of-the-art software tools.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies that could enhance product performance or create new market opportunities.
• Author technical documentation, research papers, and patent applications resulting from R&D activities.
• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to engineering teams across the organization.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering, materials science, and related fields.
• Collaborate with product management and business development teams to align R&D efforts with market needs and strategic goals.

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree