Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced mechanical components and full systems for automotive applications. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, drive rigorous testing, and ensure designs meet performance and safety standards.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 7+ years in automotive mechanical engineering, with strong CAD/CAE proficiency and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of automotive mechanical engineering experience.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate mechanical components and systems for automotive applications.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through to production, ensuring technical integrity.
• Conduct detailed analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD) to optimize designs for performance, durability, and weight.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for automotive components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and testing departments.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for component and system validation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design and engineering issues.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in automotive mechanical engineering technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Team mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative automotive research and development company in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer. This role is integral to the design, development, and testing of new automotive components and systems. You will lead critical engineering projects, leveraging your deep expertise in mechanical principles, materials science, and vehicle dynamics. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in automotive engineering, including experience with complex mechanical systems, powertrain development, or chassis engineering. You will be responsible for guiding technical solutions, ensuring designs meet performance, durability, and safety standards. This is a leadership opportunity for an experienced engineer to make a significant impact on automotive innovation in Queenstown .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate mechanical components and systems for automotive applications.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through to production, ensuring technical integrity.
• Conduct detailed analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD) to optimize designs for performance, durability, and weight.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for automotive components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and testing departments.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for component and system validation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical design and engineering issues.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in automotive mechanical engineering technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in automotive mechanical engineering.
• Proven experience in designing and developing complex mechanical systems (e.g., powertrain, suspension, braking).
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Solid understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Experience with product development processes (e.g., APQP).
• Knowledge of automotive testing and validation procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advanced training. Employees will work on cutting-edge automotive technologies in a dynamic R&D environment located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . We foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. This role comes with significant responsibility and the potential for career advancement within a growing company. We provide a supportive work environment and the chance to shape the future of automotive engineering.