Senior Automotive Body-in-White Engineer

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Health benefits

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) Engineer to lead design and development of BIW structures. The role requires expertise in CATIA V5 surfacing, FEA tools, and materials selection for crash safety and manufacturability.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver validated BIW components and mentor junior engineers, ensuring compliance with FMVSS and Euro NCAP standards in a Randburg-based manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of BIW design and development experience in automotive.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and BIW surfacing, preferably CATIA V5.
• Strong experience with FEA tools for crashworthiness and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of safety standards (FMVSS, Euro NCAP) and manufacturing considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead BIW design and development of vehicle structures to meet stiffness, durability, and crash targets.
• Create and optimize 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for BIW components (CATIA V5).
• Perform FEA on BIW structures to predict crash performance and dynamic response.
• Collaborate with styling, engineering, and manufacturing teams for feasibility and manufacturability.
• Select materials and joining technologies suitable for BIW applications.
• Develop validation plans and correlate simulations with physical testing.
• Mentor junior BIW engineers and contribute to departmental expertise.
• Ensure compliance with automotive safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

LS-DYNA

PAM-CRASH

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) Engineer to join their advanced manufacturing and design division in Randburg, Gauteng, ZA. This crucial role involves the design, development, and optimization of vehicle structural components and assemblies, ensuring structural integrity, crashworthiness, and manufacturing feasibility. You will be responsible for leading BIW design initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and utilizing advanced simulation tools to achieve superior vehicle body performance. This on-site position requires close interaction with the design, engineering, and production teams. We are looking for a skilled engineer with a deep understanding of automotive structures, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of vehicle Body-in-White (BIW) structures, ensuring performance targets for stiffness, durability, and crash safety are met.
• Create and optimize 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for BIW components using software such as CATIA V5.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on BIW structures to predict performance in crash events, static stiffness, and dynamic response.
• Collaborate closely with styling, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Select appropriate materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, composites) and joining technologies (e.g., welding, riveting, bonding) for BIW applications.
• Develop and execute validation plans for BIW components and systems, including physical testing and correlation with simulations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve BIW-related design and manufacturing issues.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, new materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques for BIW.
• Mentor junior BIW engineers and contribute to technical expertise within the department.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations for vehicle safety and construction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience specifically in Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly CATIA V5, for surfacing and part/assembly design.
• Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., LS-DYNA, PAM-CRASH, Abaqus) for crashworthiness and structural analysis.
• Deep understanding of vehicle structural mechanics, material science, and joining technologies used in automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of automotive safety standards (e.g., FMVSS, Euro NCAP) and their implications for BIW design.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment in Randburg, Gauteng, ZA.
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Familiarity with automotive plastics and composites integration is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Work on exciting and diverse vehicle projects.
• Access to advanced engineering and testing facilities.
• Be a key contributor to vehicle safety and structural innovation.