Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Robotics

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonuses

Home office stipend

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a pioneering robotics team on a remote-first basis across South Africa, with preference for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design, develop and optimize complex robotic mechanisms, end-effectors, and integrated systems.

You will work with a world-class team, leveraging SolidWorks or Inventor for designs, run FEA simulations, and collaborate with distributed colleagues to ensure seamless integration with control systems and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years hands-on experience in mechanical design with robotics or mechatronics.
• Expert in 3D CAD and simulation tools including SolidWorks, Inventor, ANSYS, and COMSOL.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for robotic systems and end-effectors.
• Create manufacturing-ready drawings and BOMs with detailed documentation.
• Perform FEA and dynamic simulations to validate designs and ensure durability.
• Collaborate with remote software, electrical, and mechatronics teams for integration.
• Lead design reviews, analyze test data, and drive improvements for cost and manufacturability.
• Stay current with robotics trends and establish remote engineering workflows.

Skills

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the development of advanced robotics and automated systems, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their globally distributed engineering team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, with a strong focus on candidates residing in or near **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, or willing to travel occasionally for key team meetings. The role centers on designing, developing, and optimizing complex robotic mechanisms, end-effectors, and integrated systems. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of robotic capabilities, contributing to projects that redefine industrial and commercial automation. This remote-first opportunity allows you to collaborate with a world-class team from the comfort of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance mechanical components and assemblies for robotic systems, including robotic arms, mobile platforms, and specialized end-effectors.
• Utilize advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) to create detailed designs, prototypes, and manufacturing-ready documentation.
• Perform advanced simulations, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and dynamic simulations, to validate designs and ensure optimal performance, durability, and safety.
• Collaborate extensively with remote software engineers, electrical engineers, and mechatronics specialists to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with control systems and sensors.
• Conduct thorough design reviews, analyze test data, and implement design improvements to enhance functionality, reduce cost, and improve manufacturability.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering drawings.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in robotics, automation, and mechanical design, applying innovative solutions to challenging problems.
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of remote engineering best practices and collaborative workflows.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on robotics, automation, or complex mechatronic systems.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Strong understanding of kinematics, dynamics, material selection, and manufacturing processes relevant to robotic systems.
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively within a distributed, remote team environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in bringing complex mechanical designs from concept to production.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package, performance-based bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. Our client provides the necessary tools and support for a productive remote work environment, including potential home office stipends. You will have the autonomy to manage your workday while contributing to groundbreaking projects from your location in or near **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role offers the unique advantage of working with a leading technology company without the need for relocation.