Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote-First)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance coverage

Generous PTO and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the design and development of complex mechanical systems in a remote-friendly setup. You will lead from concept through prototyping to production, using CAD and FEA to ensure performance and reliability.

Applicants should have 7+ years in mechanical design, a Mechanical Engineering degree, and strong virtual collaboration skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers and meet project milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive mechanical design experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software and FEA tools (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and design impact.
• Experience with remote work and self-management.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using CAD tools.
• Perform detailed engineering analyses (stress, thermal, fluid) to validate designs.
• Create comprehensive drawings, specs, and documentation packages.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and design validation activities.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative and dynamic engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects from the comfort of your own home, as this role is fully remote. You will be instrumental in driving the design and development of complex mechanical systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance, quality, and safety standards. As a remote-first position, exceptional communication, self-discipline, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a virtual environment are paramount. You will contribute to all phases of the product lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and production support. We are looking for a proactive individual who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced setting and possesses a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and advanced design tools. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact on our client's innovative product line, working remotely from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including stress analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics, to validate designs.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation packages.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, in a remote setting.
• Oversee and participate in prototyping, testing, and validation activities, analyzing results and implementing design improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues encountered during the development and manufacturing phases.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to drive innovation.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and client specifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes (machining, injection molding, etc.), and their impact on design.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for seamless virtual collaboration.
• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles.
• Familiarity with project management principles.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and technical challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art virtual collaboration tools.
• Flexible remote work arrangement, enabling work-life balance.
• Contribution to impactful and innovative projects.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• A supportive and collaborative remote team culture.