Remote Structural Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Professional development

Generous leave

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Remote Structural Mechanical Engineer to bolster design and simulation capabilities within advanced manufacturing and robotics. This fully remote role allows work from anywhere in South Africa, with a focus on Pretoria-centric projects.

You’ll ensure structural integrity of robotic systems and automated machinery using FEA tools and CAD software, collaborating with a distributed team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in structural analysis and mechanical design for dynamic systems or machinery.
• Expert proficiency in FEA software such as ANSYS or Abaqus.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA) for design and model preparation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis and mechanical design for robotic arms and automated systems using FEA.
• Develop and optimize designs to withstand stresses, vibrations, and environmental factors.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and analysis reports.
• Collaborate with a distributed team of engineers to integrate structural designs into complete systems.
• Validate simulation results through physical testing data and recommend design modifications.
• Select materials and manufacturing processes to achieve performance and cost targets.
• Troubleshoot structural/mechanical issues during design, prototyping, or field deployment.
• Stay current with advancements in structural analysis techniques and manufacturing technologies.
• Contribute to design standards and best practices for structural engineering.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Structural Mechanics)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge firm specializing in advanced manufacturing processes and robotics, is seeking a highly analytical Remote Structural Mechanical Engineer to bolster their design and simulation capabilities. This role is entirely remote, offering the successful candidate the flexibility to work from any location within South Africa, with a focus on projects related to **Pretoria**. You will be critical in ensuring the structural integrity and performance of complex robotic systems, automated machinery, and custom manufacturing equipment. This position demands a robust understanding of mechanical design principles, stress analysis, vibration control, and materials science, applied within the context of high-precision, high-speed industrial applications. You will collaborate closely with a distributed team of engineers and designers, utilizing sophisticated simulation tools and communication platforms to deliver innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis and mechanical design for robotic arms, automated systems, and specialized manufacturing equipment using FEA software.
• Develop and optimize designs to withstand operational stresses, vibrations, and environmental factors relevant to advanced manufacturing.
• Create comprehensive engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, and analysis reports.
• Collaborate with a remote team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate structural designs into complete systems.
• Validate simulation results through the interpretation of physical testing data and recommend design modifications.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to achieve desired structural performance and cost targets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve structural and mechanical issues identified during design, prototyping, or field deployment.
• Stay current with advancements in structural analysis techniques, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Contribute to the development of design standards and best practices for structural mechanical engineering within the company.
• Effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to project stakeholders through virtual presentations and written reports.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in structural analysis and mechanical design, particularly for dynamic systems or machinery.
• Expert proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, solid mechanics, vibration analysis, and fatigue life prediction.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for design and model preparation.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment using digital tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear technical documentation and reporting.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques and materials is a plus.
• Must have a dedicated home office setup and reliable internet connectivity.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers significant flexibility, with projects primarily servicing the **Pretoria** region.
• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement savings, are provided.
• Our client invests in employee growth through continuous learning opportunities, virtual workshops, and support for professional development.
• You will be part of an innovative company at the forefront of manufacturing technology, working on challenging and rewarding projects.
• Generous annual leave and performance‑based bonuses are also part of the compensation package.
• Join a team that values technical expertise and remote collaboration.