Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Flexible schedule

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role with location flexibility including Bloemfontein, South Africa. The role focuses on designing novel mechanical components and systems using advanced materials and simulation tools.

You will collaborate with materials scientists and R&D teams in a virtual setting to optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, and cost. Strong CAD/FEA skills, problem-solving, and remote collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science; PhD is a plus.
• 8+ years in mechanical design engineering with advanced materials experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and sub-systems using advanced materials (composites, high-performance alloys, ceramics).
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and specifications using CAD software.
• Perform stress, fatigue, and thermal analyses to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with materials scientists and R&D teams in a virtual setting.
• Conduct material selection studies and develop validation plans.
• Oversee design validation including testing and prototype evaluation.
• Identify opportunities for innovation to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and manufacturing guidelines.
• Mentor junior engineers in a remote team environment.

Skills

CAD proficiency

FEA/CFD analysis

Remote teamwork

Project management

Analytical problem-solving

Education

MSc in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

PhD is a plus

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

FEA tools

CFD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in materials science and engineering, seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their fully remote team. This position is pivotal in the design and development of novel mechanical components and systems utilizing advanced materials. As a remote-first company, we empower our engineers to innovate and collaborate effectively from anywhere, fostering a culture of autonomy and high performance. You will be at the cutting edge of materials application, driving projects that require deep mechanical insight and creativity. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a talented engineer to contribute to breakthrough technologies in a challenging and rewarding remote environment, based out of Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA, or any other approved remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-systems that leverage advanced materials (e.g., composites, high-performance alloys, ceramics).
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, and specifications using state-of-the-art design software.
• Perform rigorous mechanical analyses, including stress, strain, fatigue, and thermal simulations, to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate closely with materials scientists, R&D teams, and manufacturing engineers in a virtual setting to optimize designs for material properties and production processes.
• Conduct material selection studies, considering performance requirements, environmental factors, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Develop and oversee design validation plans, including material testing and prototype performance evaluation.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in component design and material application to enhance product performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant industry standards, performance metrics, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports, analysis summaries, and manufacturing guidelines.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the remote engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science; PhD is a plus.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design engineering, with specialized knowledge in the application of advanced materials.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and advanced simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Strong understanding of material properties, behavior, failure modes, and characterization techniques for advanced materials.
• Proven experience in designing components for demanding applications where material performance is critical.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage projects, and deliver results in a remote capacity.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques relevant to novel materials.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely and reside within or near Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA, or other approved remote jurisdictions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan with employer matching, and ample paid time off are provided.
• We invest in our employees' growth through professional development opportunities and access to cutting-edge research and technology.
• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.