Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Robotics)

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,825,000 - 2,654,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity/bonus opportunities

Health insurance

Home office setup allowance

Flexible working hours

Remote-first organization

Professional development & conferences

Paid time off & holidays

Retirement plan with company match

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a remote-first role shaping cutting-edge robotic systems and components. You will design, analyze, and iterate mechanisms, actuators, and end-effectors while coordinating with distributed electrical, control, and software teams.

You will select materials, oversee prototyping, and ensure manufacturability with robust documentation. Remote collaboration is core, with leadership responsibilities and growth opportunities in automation.

Qualifications

• MS or BS in Mechanical Eng with robotics/mechatronics focus
• 7+ years in mechanical design, robotics exposure
• Expert in 3D CAD and FEA/CAE tools

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of robotic systems, manipulators, end-effectors.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA.
• Perform advanced engineering analysis: stress, vibration, thermal, kinematics.

Skills

Robotics mechanics

Mechatronics

FEA/CAE analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (robotics)

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge robotics and automation company renowned for its innovative solutions in industrial and collaborative robotics, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This role is critical for the design, development, and implementation of advanced robotic systems and components. You will be responsible for conceptualizing novel mechanical designs, performing rigorous analysis, overseeing prototyping, and ensuring the seamless integration of robotic solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of robotics mechanics, mechatronics, advanced CAD/CAE tools, and thrives in an autonomous, collaborative remote environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of robotics, work on intellectually stimulating projects, and contribute to advancements in automation technology, all while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of a remote-first position. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics and seeking top talent to drive this mission forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of robotic systems, manipulators, end-effectors, and related components.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including stress, strain, vibration, thermal, and kinematic simulations using FEA and other CAE tools.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for robotic components, ensuring performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with a distributed team of electrical engineers, control system engineers, and software developers to ensure integrated system design.
• Oversee the fabrication of prototypes, coordinate testing, and analyze performance data to validate designs.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, BOMs, and assembly instructions.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues in prototypes and fielded systems, and implement design improvements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in robotics, automation, materials, and design methodologies.
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, with a specialization in robotics or mechatronics highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, with significant exposure to robotics or automated machinery development.
• Expert proficiency in advanced 3D CAD software and a strong command of FEA/CAE simulation tools.
• Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, control systems, sensors, and actuators as applied to robotics.
• Proven ability to design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA) in a production environment.
• Demonstrated success in managing and executing complex design projects independently in a remote setting.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities, analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proven success in virtual team collaboration.
• Experience with embedded systems and mechatronic integration is a plus.
• Passion for robotics and automation technology.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and equity/bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous home office setup allowance and IT support.
• Flexible working hours and location autonomy.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized robotics training and conferences.
• Work on cutting-edge robotic technology with a significant impact on industry.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.