Senior Mechanical Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Home office allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead manufacturing automation initiatives in a remote role. You will design, develop, and deploy automated mechanical systems to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety.

Collaborate with virtual teams, apply CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Inventor, and implement DFA and lean manufacturing principles to deliver robust automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in mechanical design with automation/robotics in manufacturing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor) and automation simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of electromechanical systems, robotics, control systems, and PLC concepts.
• Experience with Design for Automation (DFA) and lean manufacturing.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated mechanical systems, robotics, and integrated production lines using CAD software.
• Specify and select automation components including sensors, actuators, PLCs, and robotic end-effectors.
• Perform mechanical design analysis (stress, motion, thermal) for performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams to integrate designs with controls.
• Develop detailed documentation including drawings, assembly instructions, and validation protocols.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automated systems to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

Skills

Automation & robotics

CAD proficiency

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Automation simulation tools

PLC concepts

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to specialize in Manufacturing Automation , working remotely. This role is instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing automated mechanical systems and processes that enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety. You will collaborate closely with virtual teams of engineers, technicians, and operations personnel to conceptualize, build, and deploy sophisticated automation solutions. This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking engineer to drive advancements in manufacturing technology from anywhere, contributing to a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated mechanical systems, robotics, and integrated production lines using advanced CAD software.
• Specify and select automation components, including sensors, actuators, PLCs, and robotic end-effectors.
• Perform mechanical design analysis, including stress, motion, and thermal studies, to ensure system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams to integrate mechanical designs with automation controls.
• Develop detailed documentation, including mechanical drawings, assembly instructions, and validation protocols.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automated systems to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design, with a specialization in automation and robotics in manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and experience with automation simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of electromechanical systems, robotics, control systems, and PLC programming concepts.
• Experience with Design for Automation (DFA) principles and lean manufacturing concepts.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and remote work benefits.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work environment.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and online courses.
• Home office setup allowance and reliable internet support.
• A collaborative, innovative, and forward-thinking company culture.