Design Engineer - Automotive Powertrain Systems

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Annual performance bonuses

Professional development and training

East London location

Stable employment with a reputable OEM

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Design Engineer focused on automotive powertrains for an on-site role in East London, Eastern Cape. You will develop powertrain components, perform CAD modeling, and run CAE analyses to ensure performance and durability.

Work with cross-functional teams to prototype and validate designs. The ideal candidate has 4+ years in mechanical design for powertrain systems, strong CAD skills (CATIA V5, NX), and a solid understanding of engine and transmission concepts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in mechanical design, focusing on automotive powertrain systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and CAE tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive powertrains (engines, transmissions, drivelines).
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CATIA V5 and Siemens NX.
• Perform engineering analysis (stress, thermal, vibration) using FEA/CFD tools to validate designs.
• Specify materials and processes for powertrain components.
• Collaborate with R&D, testing, and manufacturing teams through the development lifecycle.
• Plan prototype builds and performance testing to drive design improvements.
• Ensure designs meet performance, durability, regulatory, and cost targets.
• Troubleshoot design issues and prepare technical documentation.

Skills

Powertrain design

3D CAD proficiency

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

FEA/CFD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier to the automotive industry, is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to focus on powertrain systems, based at their facility in East London, Eastern Cape. This on-site role is integral to the development and refinement of high-performance engine and transmission components. You will be responsible for the conceptual design, detailed engineering, prototyping, and testing of various powertrain elements, ensuring they meet rigorous performance, durability, and emissions standards. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of internal combustion engines, transmissions, or related automotive systems, coupled with proficiency in CAD and simulation software. You will work closely with manufacturing engineers, testing teams, and program managers to bring new powertrain technologies to fruition. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the evolution of automotive technology within a major manufacturing hub in East London. Your expertise will be critical in developing efficient and reliable powertrain solutions for future vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive powertrains (engines, transmissions, drivelines).
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations (FEA/CFD), to validate designs.
• Specify materials and select appropriate manufacturing processes for powertrain components.
• Collaborate with R&D, testing, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Plan and execute prototype builds and performance testing, analyzing results to drive design improvements.
• Ensure designs meet performance targets, durability requirements, regulatory compliance (emissions, safety), and cost objectives.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reviews, reports, and specifications.
• Stay updated on the latest automotive powertrain technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a specific focus on automotive powertrain systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and familiarity with CAE tools for analysis.
• Understanding of internal combustion engine principles, transmissions, or electric vehicle powertrains.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Experience with testing and validation of automotive components is a plus.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and practices.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunity to work on innovative automotive powertrain projects.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Stable employment with a reputable automotive supplier.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment in East London.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Potential for career growth within the company.