Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Automation Leader

Placements24; Randburg; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will lead conceptualization and development of advanced automation systems and manufacturing equipment, driving innovation in a virtual collaboration environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in mechanical design, robotics or automation, and strong skills in 3D CAD, FEA, and system integration.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design with focus on automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Expert proficiency in SolidWorks, CATIA, and Siemens NX.
• Strong experience with FEA and other simulation tools for mechanical analysis.
• Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, control systems, and mechanical system integration.
• Proven ability to lead design projects and work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with additive manufacturing for prototyping is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex automation systems, robotic cells, and advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Conceptualize, design, and detail mechanical components and assemblies using advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic simulations.
• Specify and select mechanical components such as motors, actuators, bearings, linear motion systems, and sensors.
• Collaborate virtually with cross-functional teams including controls engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists.
• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, and technical specifications.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing of new designs, troubleshooting issues and implementing improvements.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of best practices within the design team.
• Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

FEA experience

Kinematics

Dynamics

Control systems

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will lead conceptualization and development of advanced automation systems and manufacturing equipment, driving innovation in a virtual collaboration environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in mechanical design, robotics or automation, and strong skills in 3D CAD, FEA, and system integration.