Automotive Body-In-White (Biw) Design Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automotive BIW Design Engineer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, to drive design, development, and optimization of vehicle structures. You will use CATIA V5 and FEA tools to ensure safety, stiffness, and weight efficiency, collaborating with CAE analysts, manufacturing and product planners.

The role requires a mechanical/automotive engineering degree and a minimum of six years in BIW design, with knowledge of welding, riveting, bonding, and crashworthiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in Automotive BIW design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software CATIA V5 or similar.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus) for structural analysis.
• Strong understanding of automotive structures, materials, joining techniques, and crashworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop BIW structures (frame, chassis, body panels) using CAD.
• Perform FEA/structural analyses under various load conditions.
• Optimize BIW designs for weight, stiffness, crashworthiness, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with CAE, manufacturing, and product teams.
• Develop detailed drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and performance targets.
• Participate in design reviews and BIW development activities.

Skills

CATIA V5

FEA

BIW design

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic automotive manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) Design Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This crucial role focuses on the design, development, and optimization of vehicle structural components, including the chassis, frame, and body structure. You will utilize advanced CAD software and simulation tools to ensure the structural integrity, safety, and weight efficiency of new vehicle designs. Working in Nelspruit offers a unique setting within Mpumalanga's growing industrial landscape. We are looking for an engineer with a strong understanding of material properties, joining techniques (welding, riveting, bonding), and vehicle crashworthiness. The ideal candidate will be adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including CAE analysts, manufacturing engineers, and product planners, to bring innovative BIW solutions to fruition. This position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge automotive platforms and influence the physical attributes of future vehicles. The role involves a hybrid work model, fostering both focused design work and collaborative team interaction. Your expertise in BIW design will be pivotal in meeting evolving industry standards for safety and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop Body-in-White (BIW) structures, including frame, chassis, and body panels, using advanced CAD software.
• Perform structural analysis and simulations (FEA) to evaluate design performance under various load conditions.
• Optimize BIW designs for weight reduction, stiffness, crashworthiness, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Collaborate with CAE engineers to refine designs based on simulation results.
• Work closely with manufacturing and assembly teams to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Ensure designs meet all relevant safety regulations and performance targets.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise on BIW development.
• Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies in BIW design.
• Support prototype build and testing activities for BIW components.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as CATIA V5 or similar.
• Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for structural analysis is required.
• Strong understanding of automotive structures, materials (steel, aluminum), and joining technologies.
• Knowledge of vehicle safety standards and crash test regulations.
• Experience with BIW manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, assembly).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with MMI (Man Machine Interface) for BIW design is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and performance-based incentives.
• Employees have access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities to stay at the forefront of automotive design.
• The role is based in Nelspruit , providing a blend of challenging work and a quality lifestyle.
• You will be part of an innovative team contributing to the development of groundbreaking automotive designs.
• Benefits include generous annual leave and access to wellness programs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled BIW design engineer to advance their career.