Senior Product Development Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office allowance

Remote work flexibility

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer for a fully remote role based from Pretoria. You will own the complete product lifecycle from concept through production, leveraging CAD modeling and simulation to optimize energy products.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development, strong mechanical design skills, and experience with thermodynamics, materials science, and energy systems. Collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in product development and design.
• Proficient in CAD software and simulation tools such as FEA/CFD.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluids, materials, and energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and development of new sustainable energy products and systems.
• Use advanced CAD for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Conduct rigorous analytical and simulation studies (FEA/CFD) to optimize performance.
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing plans for prototypes and pre-production units.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain throughout development.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for timely launches.
• Identify new materials and manufacturing technologies to enhance design.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during development and testing.
• Write design specs, test reports, and user manuals.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Project management

Communication

Creative problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

FEA/CFD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing innovator in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Engineer to join their expanding team in Pretoria . This position offers a fully remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking projects from anywhere. You will be responsible for the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies through to design, prototyping, testing, and eventual production release. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical design, materials science, and product validation, with a proven ability to bring complex ideas to market. This role demands creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for developing environmentally conscious technologies. If you are a driven engineer looking to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector, this remote opportunity is perfect for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new sustainable energy products and systems.
• Utilize advanced CAD software for detailed 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Conduct rigorous analytical and simulation studies (e.g., FEA, CFD) to optimize product performance and reliability.
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing plans for prototypes and pre-production units.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain, throughout the product development process.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful and timely product launches.
• Identify and evaluate new materials, components, and manufacturing technologies to enhance product design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during development and testing phases.
• Author technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor technologies, and regulatory requirements in the sustainable energy sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in product development and engineering design.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and electrical principles relevant to energy systems.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal).
• Demonstrated success in bringing new products from concept to commercialization.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for sustainability and renewable energy technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of ZAR annually.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Stock options and performance-based bonuses.
• Generous paid time off and remote work flexibility.
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional growth.
• Be part of a mission-driven company making a positive environmental impact.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet costs.