Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Polokwane; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, SA, is hiring a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer for a remote-first role. You will own mechanical integrity and performance of complex industrial machinery, guiding a distributed team from home.

You should bring 8+ years in mechanical design and systems engineering, mastery of CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Inventor), and strong remote collaboration skills to drive innovation and project success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and systems engineering.
• Expert in CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Inventor, FEA/CFD).
• Strong remote collaboration and communication skills for distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design, analysis, and integration of complex machinery.
• Create detailed specifications, drawings, and documentation for remote teams.
• Perform advanced FEA/CFD/dynamics simulations for performance and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Oversee component/material selection for cost and performance.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during design, testing, or deployment.
• Contribute to product improvements and new technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers within the remote department.

Skills

Mechanical design

Systems engineering

Remote collaboration

Project management

Analytical mindset

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

CAE/FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in designing and manufacturing specialized industrial machinery, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer for a fully remote position. This role offers the exciting prospect of contributing to the development of cutting-edge machinery from your home office. You will be responsible for the mechanical integrity, performance, and reliability of complex systems, working closely with a distributed team of experts. This position demands a proactive, detail-oriented engineer with a proven ability to manage projects remotely and drive innovation in mechanical design and analysis. The role is remote-first, enabling access to a broad talent pool and offering significant flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design, analysis, and integration of complex industrial machinery systems.
• Develop detailed mechanical specifications, drawings, and documentation for manufacturing and assembly, accessible to the remote team.
• Perform advanced engineering calculations and simulations (FEA, CFD, dynamics) to ensure system performance, safety, and durability.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (electrical, controls, software) in a virtual environment to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee the selection of components, materials, and manufacturing processes, ensuring optimization for cost and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues that may arise during design, testing, or field deployment.
• Contribute to product improvement initiatives and the development of new technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and share technical expertise within the remote engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design and systems engineering, specifically with complex industrial machinery or equipment.
• Expert proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and CAE/FEA simulation tools.
• Deep understanding of machine dynamics, stress analysis, kinematics, and thermodynamics.
• Proven experience in managing mechanical design projects from concept through to production.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage project timelines effectively in a remote setting.
• Previous experience with global teams or distributed engineering is highly valued.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. Enjoy the unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance that comes with working from home. Be part of an innovative company at the forefront of industrial machinery technology, with significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Work on challenging and impactful projects that influence global industry standards. Join a collaborative and supportive remote team dedicated to engineering excellence.