Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hours

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Professional development allowances

Global project experience

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position based in South Africa. You will lead complex mechanical systems, perform advanced analyses, and deliver manufacturable designs for a global client base.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of design experience, extensive CAD/FEA tool proficiency, and strong leadership abilities, with preference for aerospace/medical/high-tech sectors. Remote collaboration and self-organization are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive mechanical design experience with a strong project portfolio.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Deep expertise in FEA/CFD tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL).
• Proven ability to lead complex design projects and mentor teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in aerospace, medical devices, or high-tech automation is advantageous.
• Eligible to work in South Africa and operate a remote home office.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of complex systems from concept to production.
• Perform advanced analyses (stress, thermal, vibration, fatigue).
• Develop detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineers remotely.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Drive validation and testing and implement design changes.
• Develop and refine design standards and methodologies.
• Manage project documentation and supplier interfaces.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Analytical problem solving

Communication

Remote team leadership

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

PDM/PLM

ANSYS

Abaqus

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is integral to conceptualizing, designing, and developing complex mechanical systems and products for a diverse international client base. You will leverage your extensive expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving to drive innovation and deliver exceptional engineering solutions. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to work from anywhere, contributing significantly to a forward-thinking company with a strong presence in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and industrial automation. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, highly organized, and adept at collaborating effectively in a virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex systems and products from concept through to production, ensuring high performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Perform advanced engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue, using state-of-the-art simulation tools.
• Develop detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) according to industry best practices.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software, electrical, and systems engineers, through virtual channels.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff remotely.
• Drive the validation and testing processes, interpreting results and implementing necessary design modifications.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of design standards and methodologies.
• Manage project documentation and technical specifications, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure design intent is met and production issues are resolved efficiently.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends to ensure our client remains at the forefront of innovation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development, with a strong portfolio of successfully delivered projects.
• Expert proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Deep expertise in FEA and CFD simulation software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL).
• Proven ability to lead complex design projects and mentor engineering teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, vital for remote team dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Experience in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, or high-tech automation is highly advantageous.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa, with a dedicated home office setup and reliable high-speed internet.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience.
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work from any location.
• Medical aid, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances.
• Opportunity to work on challenging, cutting-edge projects with a global impact.

While the company has operational links to **Midrand, Gauteng, ZA**, this role provides complete location independence within South Africa.