Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Fully remote within South Africa

Health insurance contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote, permanent role within South Africa. You will lead design from concept through production, perform advanced simulations, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to deliver innovative mechanical systems.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in mechanical design, strong GD&T skills, experience with SolidWorks/AutoCAD/Fusion 360, and a proven track record in product development in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and strong GD&T knowledge.
• Experience with manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC, sheet metal).
• Solid understanding of materials and their application in design.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects remotely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex mechanical components and systems from concept to production.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations (stress, thermal, fluid dynamics) using advanced simulation software (FEA, CFD).
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D drawings (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams for seamless integration.
• Conduct design reviews, identify risks, and mitigate them effectively.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production units; analyze data for improvements.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and manufacturing; stay updated on industry trends.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic and rapidly expanding team. This is a fully remote, permanent position offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing, designing, and developing cutting-edge mechanical systems that drive our client's mission forward. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, a proven track record of success in product development, and an exceptional ability to collaborate effectively in a virtual environment. This role is critical to maintaining our client's competitive edge and fostering continuous improvement in their product lines. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical components and systems from concept to production, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including stress analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics, utilizing advanced simulation software (e.g., FEA, CFD).
• Create and maintain comprehensive 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical designs.
• Conduct thorough design reviews, identify potential risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and production units, analyze test data, and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues encountered during the development and manufacturing phases.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and optimize designs.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and a strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated experience with various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication).
• Solid understanding of material science and its application in mechanical design.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A fully remote work environment fostering work-life balance.
• The chance to work on innovative and impactful projects that contribute to a sustainable future.
• Access to cutting-edge design and simulation tools.