Senior Structural Mechanical Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work arrangement

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Bonuses

Stock options

Professional development budget

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Structural Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead structural design and analysis of complex mechanical assemblies, performing advanced FEA to assess stress, vibration, and fatigue, while selecting materials and processes to achieve robust performance.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years of experience, expert software skills (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN), and strong CAD abilities.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics or related field
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in structural mechanical design and analysis
• Expertise in advanced FEA software packages (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN)
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings
• In-depth knowledge of material behavior under static, dynamic, and fatigue loading
• Experience with composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques is a plus
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently and in remote teams

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design and analysis of components, assemblies, and systems to meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements
• Perform advanced Finite Element Analysis to assess stress, strain, vibration, fatigue, and thermal loads
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes based on performance, environment, and cost
• Develop detailed design specs, drawings, and BOMs per industry standards
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure manufacturability and integration
• Oversee structural testing and validation, interpret results, and refine designs
• Mentor junior engineers in structural analysis techniques and best practices
• Stay current with advancements in structural mechanics, materials science, and simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Structural Mechanical Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is crucial for the design, analysis, and validation of robust mechanical structures and systems that form the backbone of our client's innovative products. You will leverage your deep expertise in structural mechanics, materials science, and advanced simulation techniques to ensure the integrity, performance, and safety of complex mechanical assemblies. We are looking for a highly analytical and proactive engineer who excels in a remote work environment and is passionate about tackling challenging design problems. Your work will directly contribute to the development of cutting-edge industrial equipment and systems, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to engineering excellence. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact from anywhere in South Africa, working with a globally distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design and analysis of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems, ensuring they meet demanding performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Perform advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess stress, strain, vibration, fatigue, and thermal loads on critical structures.
• Select appropriate materials (metals, composites, polymers) and manufacturing processes based on structural performance requirements, environmental conditions, and cost considerations.
• Develop detailed design specifications, drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) in accordance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams (e.g., mechanical design, electrical, manufacturing) to ensure seamless integration and manufacturability.
• Oversee and conduct structural testing and validation activities, interpreting results and implementing design refinements.
• Troubleshoot structural integrity issues identified during design, testing, or field deployment, proposing and implementing solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers in structural analysis techniques and best practices.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in structural mechanics, materials science, and simulation software.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in structural mechanical design and analysis.
• Expertise in advanced FEA software packages (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• In-depth knowledge of material behavior under various load conditions, including static, dynamic, and fatigue loading.
• Experience with composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a remote team setting.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary up to ZAR.
• Fully remote work arrangement.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for stock options.
• Generous budget for professional development, including training and conferences.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects with leading technologies.
• Home office stipend.