Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Remote First

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Professional development

Generous PTO

Hardware & software provided

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design of complex mechanical systems from concept through production. This remote, permanent role suits a self-directed engineer who thrives on cross-functional collaboration across distributed teams.

You will use SolidWorks, CATIA, and ANSYS for 3D modeling, FEA and CFD simulations, and deliver detailed documentation from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• 8+ years of progressive mechanical design experience on complex systems.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools: SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS.
• Experience with FEA and CFD analysis techniques.
• Strong knowledge of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Experience with agile methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new mechanical components and systems from concept through production.
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and assembly definitions using SolidWorks, CATIA, and AutoCAD.
• Perform FEA and CFD simulations to validate designs and identify improvements.
• Prepare technical docs, BOMs, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and share design best practices.
• Evaluate new materials and manufacturing processes to improve performance and reduce costs.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge engineering solutions provider, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, permanent position designed for individuals who thrive in a self-directed environment and excel at collaborating across distributed teams. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing complex mechanical systems for a variety of innovative projects. The role demands a strong understanding of engineering principles, advanced CAD skills, and a proven track record in bringing sophisticated designs from concept to reality. As a remote-first organization, we provide the tools, support, and collaborative platforms necessary for you to succeed from anywhere within **Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA** or surrounding regions, fostering a flexible and productive work experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical components and systems, from initial concept through to production.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling, detailed drafting, and assembly creation.
• Conduct thorough Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, bill of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure integrated system performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues that arise during prototyping, testing, and production phases.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design best practices and methodologies.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a strong focus on complex systems.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and CAE software (SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with FEA and CFD analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote work setting.
• Experience with agile development methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote role, allowing you to optimize your work-life balance. We provide a competitive salary commensurate with your experience and expertise. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development are readily available through access to online courses, workshops, and industry conferences. You will be part of an innovative and supportive team culture that encourages collaboration and idea sharing. Additional benefits include a generous paid time off policy and provision of necessary software licenses and hardware to ensure you have the tools you need to excel in your role. Join a company that is shaping the future of mechanical engineering from Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA.