Senior Mechanical Engineer - Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Professional development budget

Global project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and analysis for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. You will drive CAD/FEA work, coordinate with a global remote team, and ensure reliability and regulatory compliance across projects.

The role emphasizes advanced materials, dynamic loading, and efficient, cost-effective design solutions. A strong track record in solar/wind deployments and mentorship of engineers is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in structural or systems engineering.
• 9+ years of progressive mechanical design experience in large-scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD and advanced FEA tools (ANSYS/Abaqus/NASTRAN) and strong materials knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of renewable energy infrastructure components (solar tracking systems, wind turbine supports).
• Perform advanced structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Develop detailed drawings, specifications, reports, and BOMs to international standards.
• Collaborate with global remote team of engineers and external consultants for system integration.
• Oversee procurement, fabrication, and installation phases with technical guidance.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and FMEA analyses.
• Research advanced materials and design methodologies to improve efficiency and durability.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence within a distributed team.
• Ensure designs comply with industry codes and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables for mechanical engineering aspects.

Skills

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

FEA

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Fatigue analysis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the renewable energy sector, specializing in the design and deployment of large-scale solar and wind power generation infrastructure. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our remote-first engineering team. This role will focus on the mechanical design, analysis, and integration of complex systems for renewable energy projects. You will be instrumental in ensuring the structural integrity, performance, and long-term reliability of our cutting-edge installations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep expertise in mechanical engineering principles, advanced CAD/FEA skills, and a proven ability to manage intricate projects from concept to completion, all while working effectively in a distributed environment. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to significant sustainable energy projects worldwide, leveraging your skills in a flexible, remote setting. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for green technology and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and engineering of major renewable energy infrastructure components, including large-scale solar tracking systems, wind turbine support structures, and associated mechanical systems.
• Perform advanced structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis using state-of-the-art FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) to validate designs under extreme environmental loads.
• Develop and manage detailed engineering drawings, specifications, technical reports, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) compliant with international standards.
• Collaborate closely with a global, remote team of electrical engineers, civil engineers, project managers, and external consultants to ensure seamless system integration and project success.
• Oversee the procurement, fabrication, and installation phases by providing expert technical guidance and resolving complex design challenges.
• Conduct thorough design reviews, risk assessments, and failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA).
• Research and advocate for the use of advanced materials and innovative design methodologies to enhance efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning within the remote team.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables related to mechanical engineering aspects, ensuring on-time project completion.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a specialization in structural or systems engineering.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a substantial focus on large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy projects (solar, wind), or heavy industrial equipment.
• Expert proficiency in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and advanced FEA analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, material science, and fatigue analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for extreme environmental conditions (wind loads, seismic activity, temperature variations).
• Knowledge of relevant international standards and codes (e.g., Eurocodes, IEC standards) for renewable energy infrastructure.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and collaborate effectively in a fully remote, international team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for critical project phases or site inspections if required.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• This fully remote position provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Employees have access to generous professional development budgets, opportunities for advanced training, and participation in cutting-edge research.
• You will work on transformative projects that contribute to global sustainability goals, collaborating with a diverse and talented international team.
• Join a company that is pioneering the future of energy and values its employees' contributions and well-being.