Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Based in Kimberley

Wellness programs

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 client seeks a Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer in Kimberley, SA, to lead conception, design, and launch of new automotive products. Role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration across R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing to deliver high-quality solutions.

You will manage projects from concept to market release, ensure compliance with automotive standards, and guide prototyping, testing, and validation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Proven track record of launching automotive products.
• Experience with cross-functional teams and project management.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for new automotive components and systems.
• Translate market requirements and customer needs into technical specifications.
• Manage product development projects from concept to launch, including timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation activities.
• Ensure products meet all relevant performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct design reviews and technical assessments throughout the development cycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during product development.
• Prepare and present project status reports and technical documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product development processes.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Simulation tools

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related

Tools

Simulation tools

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer to join their innovative team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is central to the conception, design, and launch of new automotive products and features. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the automotive product development lifecycle, from initial concept generation through to market release. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure that products meet stringent quality, performance, and regulatory standards. Working in Kimberley provides a unique context for contributing to the automotive industry's evolution in South Africa. We are looking for a driven individual with strong technical acumen, excellent project management skills, and a passion for automotive innovation. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing departments to bring successful products to market. This position offers a stimulating environment for an engineer eager to make a significant impact on the company's product portfolio. The role incorporates a hybrid work model, offering flexibility and efficient collaboration. Your leadership in product development will be key to our client's continued success and market leadership. The focus is on delivering high‑quality, innovative automotive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for new automotive components and systems.
• Translate market requirements and customer needs into technical specifications.
• Manage product development projects from concept to launch, including timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation activities.
• Ensure products meet all relevant performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct design reviews and technical assessments throughout the development cycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during product development.
• Prepare and present project status reports and technical documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product development processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Proven track record of successfully launching automotive products.
• Strong understanding of the entire product development lifecycle and associated methodologies.
• Experience with project management tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Experience with simulation tools and data analysis is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in SouthAfrica .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Employees receive generous annual leave and have access to ongoing professional development programs, including training and workshops.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility and is based in Kimberley , offering a chance to thrive in a developing industrial hub.
• You’ll join a collaborative and innovative environment focused on automotive advancement.
• Additional benefits include employee wellness programs and opportunities for career progression within the organization.
• This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced engineer to lead impactful product development initiatives.