Senior Mechanical Projects Lead — Manufacturing Innovator

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); A distancia; ZAR 1.200.000 - 2.000.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Remote work

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Flexible hours

Professional development

Home office stipend

Cutting-edge tools

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa, with potential ties to Pretoria, Gauteng. You will lead advanced robotic mechanisms, create high‑precision 3D models and drawings, and guide cross‑functional teams from concept to production.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years in robotics/automation, and deep expertise in CATIA V5, ANSYS, and Abaqus.

Formación

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 10+ years in mechanical design with robotics/automation experience.
• Expert CAD/analysis tools knowledge (CATIA V5, ANSYS, Abaqus).

Responsabilidades

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of complex mechanical systems and robotic components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and robust 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform advanced analyses including FEA, fatigue, and tolerance stack-up.
• Define design requirements and performance criteria for new products.
• Collaborate with remote cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Drive DFM and DFA with manufacturing partners.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers in the remote team.

Conocimientos

Mechanical design

Robotics

FEM analysis

Remote collaboration

Educación

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Herramientas

CATIA V5

SolidWorks Premium

ANSYS

Abaqus

Descripción del empleo

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)

About the Role Our client is a globally recognized leader in advanced robotics and automation, seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their distributed engineering team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of designing complex robotic mechanisms, high-precision components, and integrated electro-mechanical systems that power next-generation industrial automation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical design principles, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques, coupled with a proven ability to lead critical design initiatives from concept to production. This role is perfect for a seasoned engineer looking to make a significant impact on cutting-edge technology without the constraints of a traditional office environment, based out of Pretoria, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of highly complex mechanical systems and robotic components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, complex assemblies, and robust 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced modeling software.
• Perform advanced engineering analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fatigue analysis, and tolerance stack-up analysis, to ensure design integrity and reliability.
• Develop and validate design requirements, technical specifications, and performance criteria for new products and enhancements.
• Collaborate effectively with remote cross-functional teams, including software engineers, electrical engineers, and control systems specialists, to achieve integrated system solutions.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles, working closely with manufacturing partners.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to other mechanical engineers within the remote team structure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design issues throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in robotics and automation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on robotics, automation, or complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Expertise in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks Premium) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, material science, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and drive innovation in a remote setting.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully bringing complex mechanical products to market.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive remote benefits package, including premium health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Generous vacation allowance and flexible working hours.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking technologies with a leading company.
• Work from home stipend to ensure a productive work environment.
• Cutting-edge virtual collaboration tools and infrastructure.
• Direct impact on the future of automation.