Remote Senior Mechanical Engineer - Automation Systems

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote role

Home office stipend

Training & certifications allowances

Conference attendance

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a fully remote, globally distributed team focused on advanced automation and robotics. You will own design aspects of complex systems, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovative solutions across remote collaboration channels.

The role requires a master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in automation/robotics, expert CAD/CAE skills, and strong mechatronics know-how for end-to-end development from

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design with automation/robotics focus.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD and CAE/FEA tools.
• Strong knowledge of mechatronics, kinematics, dynamics, and control integration.
• Experience leading complex design projects remotely.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration for distributed teams.
• Familiarity with Agile development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of advanced automation systems including robotic manipulators and assembly machinery.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs using CAD software.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic analyses with CAE tools.
• Collaborate with remote cross-functional teams for system integration.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, validation, and troubleshooting remotely.
• Drive innovation by researching new materials and design methods.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers within the remote team.
• Maintain project documentation and contribute to design reviews.
• Identify risks and opportunities for design improvements.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Automation & robotics

3D CAD proficiency

CAe/FEA simulations

Mechatronics integration

Remote collaboration

Project leadership

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

MSC Nastran

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced automation and robotics solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is perfect for an individual passionate about designing and optimizing complex mechanical systems for cutting-edge automation equipment. You will take ownership of key design aspects, contribute to innovative solutions, and collaborate with a dispersed, international team of engineers. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in mechanical design, mechatronics, and systems integration to develop high-performance automation machinery. This is an exceptional opportunity to work remotely, focusing on impactful projects without geographical constraints, and contribute to the forefront of industrial automation technology from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced automation systems, including robotic manipulators, material handling equipment, and assembly machinery.
• Develop detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic simulations using CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, MSC Nastran).
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional remote teams, including electrical, controls, and software engineers, to ensure seamless system integration and performance.
• Oversee and support prototyping, testing, and validation activities, troubleshooting design issues remotely.
• Drive innovation by researching and proposing new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to enhance product capabilities.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and performance requirements.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior mechanical engineers within the remote team.
• Maintain meticulous project documentation and contribute to design review processes.
• Proactively identify and address potential design risks and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development, with a strong focus on automation, robotics, or complex machinery.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software and advanced CAE/FEA simulation tools.
• Deep understanding of mechatronics, kinematics, dynamics, and control systems integration.
• Proven ability to manage complex design projects from concept to production in a remote setting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for innovative engineering solutions.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote work.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a distributed or remote team environment.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.
• We support professional growth through generous allowances for training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Employees benefit from the flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role, working on groundbreaking automation projects.
• Our client fosters a strong virtual team culture with regular online collaboration sessions and social events.
• Additional benefits include a home office stipend, flexible working hours, and opportunities for significant career advancement within a globally recognized company.