Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous leave & paid sick days

Online training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role based in South Africa, supporting Polokwane and nationwide operations. You will lead complex mechanical designs, run FEA simulations, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with distributed teams.

A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of experience are required. You will work from anywhere in South Africa, with a focus on manufacturability and cost optimization, benefiting from a rewarding

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Expert in 3D CAD and FEA tools used in design validation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects remotely.
• Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and DFM/ DFA principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems and components from concept to production readiness, utilizing advanced 3D CAD modeling techniques.
• Perform rigorous stress analysis, vibration analysis, and thermal simulations using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance under various operating conditions.
• Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications, ensuring clarity and precision for production teams.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, through virtual communication channels.
• Contribute to design reviews, provide technical guidance, and mentor junior engineers remotely.
• Proactively identify opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and performance enhancement.

Skills

CAD

FEA

DFM

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Project leadership

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Our client is looking for a highly experienced and self‑motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their established engineering team on a fully remote basis, supporting their operations from Polokwane and nationwide. This role is crucial for driving innovation in product development, focusing on the conceptualization, design, and prototyping of advanced mechanical systems and components. You will work independently and collaboratively with distributed teams, contributing expertise in CAD, FEA, and design for manufacturability. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer who excels in a remote work environment and is eager to contribute to challenging projects with significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems and components from concept to production readiness, utilizing advanced 3D CAD modeling techniques.
• Perform rigorous stress analysis , vibration analysis, and thermal simulations using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance under various operating conditions.
• Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications, ensuring clarity and precision for production teams.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, through virtual communication channels.
• Contribute to design reviews, provide technical guidance, and mentor junior engineers remotely.
• Proactively identify opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and performance enhancement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks , CATIA) and FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of material selection, manufacturing processes (machining, casting, injection molding), and DFM/DFA principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick days.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and online training.