Remote Senior Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Home office allowance

Remote-first culture

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Mechanical Engineer for our pioneering technology R&D client. You will lead design, analysis, and prototyping of advanced mechanical systems for robotics and energy projects.

You will mentor junior engineers, drive CAD/FEA workflows (SolidWorks Premium, ANSYS, Abaqus), and coordinate across a globally distributed team in a fully remote setup. The role emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive mechanical design and development experience in R&D.
• Expert in CAD/FEA software: SolidWorks Premium, ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus.
• Experience in robotics, mechatronics, advanced materials, or micro-mechanics.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote collaboration.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems for R&D projects.
• Conduct theoretical and computational analyses (FEA, CFD) to validate designs.
• Oversee fabrication and testing of prototypes with remote guidance.
• Collaborate with a globally distributed team via virtual channels.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies and materials for R&D objectives.
• Develop and document design processes, best practices, and IP.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Remote collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks Premium

ANSYS Mechanical

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology research and development firm, is actively seeking a Remote Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their advanced innovation team. This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity to work from anywhere on cutting-edge mechanical design challenges. You will play a crucial role in conceptualizing, developing, and prototyping novel mechanical systems and components that push the boundaries of current technology. Your expertise will be vital in areas such as robotics, advanced materials, and novel energy systems. As a senior member of our distributed team, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to bring groundbreaking ideas to fruition. If you are a driven and innovative mechanical engineer looking to make a significant impact in a remote setting, this role is ideal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems and components for R&D projects.
• Conduct in-depth theoretical and computational analysis (FEA, CFD) to validate novel designs and predict performance.
• Oversee the fabrication and testing of prototypes, providing remote guidance and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate closely with a globally distributed team of scientists, researchers, and engineers through virtual communication channels.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing techniques relevant to R&D objectives.
• Develop and document design processes, best practices, and intellectual property.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and researchers.
• Effectively manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables in a remote work environment.
• Present research findings and design concepts to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D department through innovative mechanical solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development, with a strong emphasis on R&D or advanced technologies.
• Expert proficiency in advanced CAD and FEA software (e.g., SolidWorks Premium , ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus).
• Demonstrated experience in areas such as robotics, mechatronics, advanced materials, or micro-mechanics.
• Proven ability to innovate and solve complex, open-ended engineering problems.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Strong project management and organizational skills for remote execution.
• Experience working in an agile R&D environment is beneficial.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and productively from a remote location.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive remote benefits package including top-tier health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and a home office setup allowance. We provide extensive opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and exposure to pioneering research. Join our innovative, remote-first culture and help shape the future of technology from your location near Rustenburg, or elsewhere.