Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Chassis Systems

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

East London facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join an East London chassis systems team. The role focuses on designing and validating chassis components, ensuring durability and performance for new vehicle programs.

You will work with cross-functional teams and leverage CAD/CAE tools to drive robust, production-ready solutions. The ideal candidate has 4+ years in automotive chassis design, strong knowledge of dynamics, and experience with FEA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of mechanical design experience in automotive chassis systems.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA) and PDM/PLM.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS/Abaqus) for stress and durability analysis.
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension kinematics.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive chassis systems (suspension, steering, braking).
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly designs in CAD.
• Perform structural and durability analyses using FEA and multi-body dynamics tools.
• Collaborate with integration teams to fit chassis into vehicle architecture.
• Coordinate prototypes and testing to validate designs and drive improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Vehicle dynamics understanding

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

PDM/PLM

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer, is actively seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Chassis Systems team in **East London**. This role is instrumental in the design, development, and validation of innovative chassis components and systems for new vehicle programs. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the performance, safety, and durability of vehicle chassis. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of mechanical design principles, dynamics, and automotive systems, coupled with proficiency in CAD/CAE tools. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering within **East London**. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components.
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly designs.
• Conduct structural, durability, and kinematic analysis using FEA and multi-body dynamics software.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless incorporation of chassis systems into vehicle architecture.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production (DFM).
• Plan and oversee prototype builds and testing, analyzing data to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for chassis components.
• Troubleshoot design issues and propose effective engineering solutions.
• Stay current with automotive chassis technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a focus on automotive chassis systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for stress and durability analysis.
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension kinematics.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in the **East London** automotive sector is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement plan contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
• You will work in a dynamic and innovative environment with exposure to cutting-edge automotive technology.
• This role is based at our **East London** facility, offering a collaborative and growth-oriented work experience.
• We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our workforce.