Senior Robotics Mechanical Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible hours

Health insurance

Stock options

Professional development budget

Home office allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Robotics Mechanical Engineer to join a fully remote engineering team. You will design mechanical systems for robotic arms, grippers and mobile platforms using SolidWorks/Onshape, and drive integration with electrical and software subsystems.

You will lead mechanical innovation, mentor junior engineers and develop test plans to validate performance. A strong background in GD&T, FEA and rapid prototyping (3D printing) is required, with eligibility to work remotely

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design, robotics or mechatronics.
• Strong CAD skills with surfacing, complex assemblies and GD&T.
• Experience with mechanical simulations and FEA for dynamic systems.
• Familiarity with actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings and robotics components.
• Understanding of control systems integration with mechanical hardware.
• Remote work capability from South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and integrate mechanical components for robotic applications (arms, grippers, chassis, sensor mounts).
• Use CAD tools (SolidWorks, Onshape) for 3D modeling and detailed drawings.
• Perform mechanical analyses (stress, fatigue, kinematics) with FEA and simulations.
• Select components considering performance, cost and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and control engineers for integration.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate designs and performance.
• Document designs, BOMs, specs and technical reports.
• Contribute to process improvements in design and manufacturing.

Skills

Mechanical design

Mechatronics

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the field of automated solutions and robotics, is seeking an exceptional Senior Robotics Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative, fully remote engineering team. This role is critical for the design and development of advanced robotic systems that are transforming industries. You will be at the forefront of creating cutting-edge mechanical designs for robotic manipulators, end-effectors, and mobile platforms. We are looking for a proactive and skilled engineer who excels in a distributed work environment and possesses a passion for robotics and automation. Your expertise will be vital in translating complex requirements into robust, efficient, and reliable mechanical solutions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of automation, working with a team of highly talented professionals dedicated to technological advancement. The successful candidate will drive mechanical innovation within a remote-first company culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate mechanical components and systems for robotic applications, including arms, grippers, chassis, and sensor mounting.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) for 3D modeling, assembly design, and creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Perform mechanical analyses, including stress, strain, fatigue, and kinematic analysis, using FEA and other simulation tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Select appropriate materials, motors, actuators, sensors, and other components for robotic systems, considering performance, cost, and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and control system engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical designs with other subsystems.
• Develop and execute test plans for validating mechanical designs and system performance, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Document designs thoroughly, including specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and technical reports.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of robotic system design and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the mechanical engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion focused on robotics, automation, or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, with strong skills in surfacing, complex assemblies, and GD&T.
• Experience with mechanical simulations and analysis (FEA) for dynamic systems.
• Familiarity with actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and other components commonly used in robotics.
• Understanding of control systems and their integration with mechanical hardware.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.
• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing) is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work remotely from South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from ZAR.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• Professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Opportunities to work on highly innovative and impactful projects in the robotics industry.
• Home office setup allowance.