Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Robotics & Automation (Remote)

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work

Professional development

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead conceptualization, design, and development of robotic systems and automated machinery, leveraging your expertise in mechanical design, mechatronics, CAD/CAE, and motion control.

Based in South Africa, the role offers remote work from anywhere in SA, with collaboration across global teams in logistics, manufacturing, and related industries, and opportunities to drive innovation

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 7-10 years of robotics/automation design experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD, FEA, and kinematic/dynamic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of robotic systems and automated equipment.
• Create 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings in SolidWorks, Inventor, or CATIA.
• Perform kinematic and dynamic analyses and validate designs with FEA.
• Select motors, gearboxes, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with controls, software, and algorithms teams in a virtual environment.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and design iterations.
• Produce design specifications, BOMs, and assembly instructions.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety, and performance.
• Drive innovation through new materials and manufacturing processes.

Skills

3D CAD

FEA

Mechatronics

Motion control

Robotics experience

Education

Master's in Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced robotics and automation solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team on a fully remote basis. This crucial role involves the conceptualization, design, and development of cutting-edge robotic systems and automated machinery. You will leverage your deep expertise in mechanical design, mechatronics, CAD/CAE, and motion control to create sophisticated solutions that meet the complex demands of industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and beyond. The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-motivated engineer with a proven track record of delivering complex robotic systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects while enjoying the flexibility of a remote work environment from anywhere in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of robotic systems, manipulators, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).
• Perform advanced kinematic and dynamic analysis, structural integrity assessments (FEA), and tolerance analyses for robotic components and systems.
• Select and integrate motors, gearboxes, sensors, actuators, and other mechatronic components.
• Collaborate closely with control systems engineers, software developers, and algorithm specialists in a virtual environment to ensure seamless system functionality.
• Oversee prototyping, rigorous testing, and validation of robotic systems, troubleshooting and iterating on designs as needed.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, BOMs, FMEAs, and assembly instructions.
• Drive innovation by exploring and applying new materials, manufacturing processes, and robotic technologies.
• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and performance requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on robotics, automation, or complex machinery.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software and extensive experience with FEA and kinematic/dynamic simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of mechatronics, control systems, motion planning, and automation principles.
• Proven experience in managing complex design projects from concept through to production and deployment.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a remote setting.
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and maintain high productivity in a remote-first environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement planning, specifically designed for remote employees. We strongly support continuous learning and professional development through online courses, virtual conferences, and certifications. This position is a fully remote role, offering significant flexibility and the ability to work from any location within South Africa. You will be part of a world-class team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics and automation.