Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

PTO

Retirement match

Professional development

Flexible hours

Home office stipend

Remote collaboration

Challenging projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a fully remote team and lead complex mechanical design projects from concept to production. You will perform advanced FEA analyses, create detailed models and drawings, and collaborate with distributed specialists.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong communication, and mentoring while delivering high-quality solutions for global clients from Richards Bay region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems from concept through production.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA software.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Prepare technical specifications, design reports, and documentation for reviews.
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases, troubleshooting issues.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and client requirements.
• Manage multiple design projects with timely delivery and budget adherence.
• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders using digital tools.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and standards.

Skills

5-7 years experience

3D CAD proficiency

FEA analysis

Remote collaboration

Independent work

Communication skills

Project management

Portfolio of designs

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

PDM/PLM systems

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovative industrial solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic, fully remote team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects from the comfort of your home office. You will play a pivotal role in the conceptualization, design, and development of complex mechanical systems and components, driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of engineering excellence. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechanical principles, material science, and manufacturing processes, with a proven track record of delivering successful engineering solutions in a collaborative, virtual environment. We are looking for a proactive problem‑solver with exceptional analytical skills and a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering. This position offers significant autonomy and the chance to shape the future of mechanical design within our organization, all while enjoying the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement. You will be an integral part of a forward‑thinking company dedicated to technological advancement and employee growth, contributing to projects that have a tangible impact on various industries. Our client values continuous learning and provides resources to support professional development in this fast‑paced and evolving field. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive remote work culture, ensuring all team members feel connected and valued regardless of their geographical location. The position is based remotely, serving clients globally from our Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal, ZA operational hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical systems and components from concept through to production.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, using FEA software.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers, in a remote setting.
• Prepare technical specifications, design reports, and documentation for internal review and client presentations.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods to improve product performance and cost‑effectiveness.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new designs, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client requirements.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Maintain clear and concise communication channels with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, leveraging digital collaboration tools effectively.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) principles and experience with simulation software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, additive manufacturing).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote work environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams.
• Experience with project management methodologies is a plus.
• A portfolio showcasing successful design projects is highly recommended.
• Must be authorized to work in the specified region or capable of working remotely within it.
• Adaptability to evolving project scopes and requirements in a dynamic setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Flexible working hours within a fully remote structure.
• Access to cutting‑edge design software and hardware.
• A collaborative and innovative remote work culture that values your contributions.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging engineering projects.
• Home office stipend to ensure a productive work environment.