Automotive Body & Structure Engineer - Soweto

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks an Automotive Body & Structure Engineer to design and test vehicle body structures, ensuring safety, stiffness, and performance. You will work with advanced materials, develop 3D models, and drive design validation across the product lifecycle.

The role requires a solid mechanical/structural engineering foundation with 5+ years in automotive body design and analysis, plus CATIA V5/SolidWorks and FEA proficiency to deliver high-quality vehicle bodies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in relevant field.
• 5+ years automotive body design/analysis.
• Proficiency in CATIA or SolidWorks and FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle body structures, including chassis frame, body-in-white, and closure panels.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling and create detailed engineering drawings.
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) to evaluate stiffness, durability, crashworthiness, and NVH.
• Collaborate with styling, CAE, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams throughout the product development cycle.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body components, considering weight, cost, and performance trade-offs.
• Support prototype builds and conduct physical testing to validate designs.
• Analyze test results and implement design modifications as needed.
• Ensure compliance with automotive safety standards and regulations.

Skills

CAD software

FEA analysis

Sheet metal design

Crashworthiness

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Structural Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing force in the automotive manufacturing sector, is looking for a skilled Automotive Body & Structure Engineer to join their team in Soweto . This role is crucial for the design, development, and testing of vehicle body structures, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and optimal performance. You will work with advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to create lightweight, strong, and efficient vehicle bodies. The ideal candidate will possess a solid foundation in mechanical or structural engineering, with specific experience in automotive body design and analysis. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative vehicle development projects within the diverse industrial landscape of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle body structures, including chassis frame, body-in-white, and closure panels.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling and create detailed engineering drawings.
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) to evaluate stiffness, durability, crashworthiness, and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness).
• Collaborate with styling, CAE, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams throughout the product development cycle.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body components, considering weight, cost, and performance trade-offs.
• Support prototype builds and conduct physical testing to validate designs.
• Analyze test results and implement design modifications as needed.
• Ensure compliance with automotive safety standards and regulations.
• Stay updated on new technologies and trends in automotive body design and materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive body and structure design and analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks) and FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of vehicle crashworthiness, structural dynamics, and material science.
• Experience with sheet metal design and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automotive safety regulations and testing procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a manufacturing environment in Soweto .
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. The role provides opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within the automotive sector. Based in Soweto , Gauteng , you will join a team focused on delivering high-quality vehicle structures. We foster a supportive and innovative work environment. Become part of a company committed to excellence in automotive engineering.