Senior Product Development Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Flexible working hours

Professional growth and leadership

Access to advanced design/software

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company 5

Collaborative remote culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Product Development Engineer to lead the design and development of new heavy industrial machinery, guiding concepts from idea to commercialization in a remote‑first team. Use CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and run FEA/CFD simulations; specify materials and processes; collaborate with electrical, software and manufacturing teams.

The role offers a competitive salary with bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and flexible hours to advance industrial automation

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in product development, heavy industrial machinery or capital equipment.
• Proven track record leading projects from concept to launch.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design and development of new industrial machinery products.
• Oversee mechanical design, including structural integrity, power transmission and material handling.
• Use CAD/CAE tools for detailed design, simulation (FEA, CFD) and analysis.
• Specify materials, components and manufacturing processes for cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and manufacturing teams for integrated solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources for development initiatives.
• Develop and execute validation and testing plans for new machinery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers in the remote team.
• Author and review design specifications, patents and user manuals.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Project management

Communication & collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of heavy industrial machinery, is seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This pivotal role involves leading the innovation and development of new machinery lines, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. You will collaborate with a distributed team of experts, leveraging state-of-the‑art tools and methodologies to drive projects from concept through to successful commercialization. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of industrial equipment from the convenience of your home office, contributing to significant advancements in efficiency and operational capability. The company values a remote‑first approach, fostering agility and access to top talent worldwide, including supporting key development initiatives tied to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Our client is dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement and technological leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new industrial machinery products.
• Oversee the mechanical design aspects, including structural integrity, power transmission, and material handling systems.
• Utilize advanced CAD/CAE tools for detailed design, simulation (FEA, CFD), and analysis.
• Specify materials, components, and manufacturing processes, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams to ensure integrated product solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for product development initiatives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive validation and testing plans for new machinery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the remote team.
• Author and review technical documentation, including design specifications, patents, and user manuals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in product development, specifically in heavy industrial machinery or capital equipment.
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to launch.
• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and CAE tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including hydraulics, pneumatics, and power transmission.
• Experience with FEA and CFD simulations for design validation.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive technological advancements.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible working hours.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Work on impactful projects shaping the future of industrial automation.
• Access to advanced design and simulation software.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Creative and collaborative remote work culture.