Automotive Components Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for its technical centre in Welkom, Free State. You will design and develop critical automotive components using CATIA/SolidWorks, performing stress/thermal/vibration analyses and producing 3D models, drawings, and specifications.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to drive product development, prototype builds, and validation, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and other standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within automotive industry or automotive components.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably CATIA or SolidWorks, and familiarity with PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with CAE tools for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components (injection molding, stamping, casting).
• Strong knowledge of material properties and selection for automotive applications.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess the legal right to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive applications using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform detailed analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, to ensure performance and durability.
• Create and maintain 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product development lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities; implement design improvements.
• Ensure designs meet automotive standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues and implement solutions.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute technical expertise.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in automotive engineering.

Skills

3D CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks)

FEM/CAE analysis

PDM/PLM systems

Structural analysis

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

PDM/PLM

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for its technical centre in Welkom, Free State. You will design and develop critical automotive components using CATIA/SolidWorks, performing stress/thermal/vibration analyses and producing 3D models, drawings, and specifications.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to drive product development, prototype builds, and validation, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and other standards.