Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 2,030,000 - 2,707,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Home office stipend

Generous PTO

Team-building activities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote, globally distributed engineering team. You will conceptualize, design, and develop state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and efficiency while working from a home office.

You will lead design activities, perform advanced analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver next-generation manufacturing solutions for global operations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design for automated machinery.
• Expert proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor and CATIA; FEA/CFD experience.
• Strong understanding of machine dynamics, control systems integration, materials science.
• Experience designing complex mechanisms, robotics, or production tooling.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and remote collaboration.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFA principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop highly complex mechanical systems, automated machinery, and manufacturing equipment using advanced CAD software.
• Conduct stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic analyses to validate and optimize designs.
• Create comprehensive drawings, assembly documentation, and BOMs.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation; troubleshoot design issues.
• Research and implement new materials and manufacturing techniques to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Maintain thorough and organized design documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Mechanical design

Systems integration

Robotics

DFM/ DFA

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in innovative advanced manufacturing technologies, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their progressive, fully remote engineering team. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, designing, and developing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and systems that push the boundaries of industrial production. You will be instrumental in bringing innovative concepts to life, ensuring the highest standards of performance, reliability, and efficiency. We are looking for a creative and analytical engineer with extensive experience in designing complex machinery, automation, and specialized equipment. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, virtual environment, leveraging advanced CAD/CAE tools and problem-solving methodologies. Your contributions will directly impact the development of next-generation manufacturing processes and products. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field, all from the convenience of your home office. Your expertise will be key in driving manufacturing innovation for our client's global operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop highly complex mechanical systems, automated machinery, and manufacturing equipment using advanced CAD software.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and kinematic analysis, to validate and optimize designs.
• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings, assembly documentation, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and process engineers, in a remote setting.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation phases, troubleshooting design issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Research and implement new materials, components, and advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive manufacturing, precision machining) to enhance product performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and client-specific requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Maintain thorough and organized design documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on automated machinery and advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Deep understanding of machine dynamics, control systems integration, material science, and precision engineering principles.
• Proven experience in designing complex mechanisms, robotics, or specialized production tooling.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a track record of delivering innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, adept at working effectively within a remote team structure.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Knowledge of various manufacturing processes is essential.
• Must have a reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable home office environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual salary and performance-based incentives, reflecting the senior nature of this role.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided.
• A robust retirement savings plan with significant company matching contributions is available.
• We are committed to your professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, including access to online courses, workshops, and industry conferences.
• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and autonomy, promoting an excellent work-life balance.
• Employees are granted generous paid time off, including vacation days, personal leave, and holidays.
• A home office stipend is provided to ensure optimal working conditions.
• Our client cultivates a strong, inclusive remote work culture with regular virtual team-building activities and open communication channels.