Principal Mechanical Engineer — Automotive R&D Leader (Relocation)

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonuses

Private healthcare

Retirement plan

Training & certification

Relocation assistance

International travel

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for its Upington-based advanced R&D center to drive next-gen automotive mechanical systems. You will lead design, analysis, and validation, while mentoring a team and coordinating with product, manufacturing, and quality groups to ensure successful development and launches.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering with 12+ years in the field, plus expertise in CAD/CAE tools and international collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering.
• 12+ years of automotive design and development experience.
• Proven track record leading complex engineering projects from concept to production.
• Experience with international teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and validation of automotive mechanical components and systems focusing on performance, durability, and cost.
• Develop innovative design concepts to address challenging engineering problems in automotive sector.
• Use CAD/CAE tools for detailed modeling, simulation (FEA/CFD), and optimization of designs.
• Provide mentorship to a team of mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure successful development and launch.
• Define technical requirements, specifications, and testing procedures.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive mechanical engineering.
• Manage technical aspects of supplier collaborations and ensure component quality.
• Contribute to IP development through patents and technical disclosures.

Skills

Leadership

Automotive engineering

Project management

Mentorship

Communication

Supplier collaboration

Vehicle dynamics knowledge

CAD/CAE tools

Education

PhD/MS in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for its Upington-based advanced R&D center to drive next-gen automotive mechanical systems. You will lead design, analysis, and validation, while mentoring a team and coordinating with product, manufacturing, and quality groups to ensure successful development and launches.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering with 12+ years in the field, plus expertise in CAD/CAE tools and international collaboration.