Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

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

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier to the automotive industry, is seeking an innovative Mechanical Design Engineer to join their technical centre in Welkom, Free State. This role focuses on the design and development of critical automotive components, contributing to the next generation of vehicle technology. You will be involved in projects requiring precision engineering, advanced materials, and rigorous testing to meet the demanding standards of the automotive sector. The company fosters a fast-paced, collaborative environment where creativity and technical excellence are highly valued. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic industry, working on exciting new automotive solutions. You will be part of a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive applications using industry-standard CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform detailed analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, to ensure component performance and durability.
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including styling, R&D, manufacturing, and testing, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities, analyzing results and implementing design improvements.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant automotive standards (e.g., IATF 16949), customer requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues and implement effective solutions.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute technical expertise.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in automotive engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive industry or for 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 (e.g., injection molding, stamping, casting).
• Strong knowledge of material properties and selection for automotive applications.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Must possess the legal right to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plan, and performance incentives.
• You will have opportunities for professional growth, training, and development within a leading automotive supplier.
• The company culture promotes innovation, teamwork, and a strong commitment to quality.
• Join a team that is shaping the future of mobility and contribute to cutting-edge automotive technologies.
• We value employee contributions and provide a supportive work environment.