Automotive Chassis Systems Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 780,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Chassis Systems Engineer for its client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on design, development, and validation of chassis systems to deliver safe, dynamic vehicle performance.

You will work with design, simulation, and testing teams, apply CAD/CAE tools, and contribute from concept to production in a hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive chassis design and development.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension, steering and braking systems.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (CATIA, SolidWorks; ANSYS, MSC Nastran).
• Experience with simulation software for vehicle dynamics (Adams, CarSim).
• DFM and DFA design experience; knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop chassis components and systems (suspension, steering, braking, subframes).
• Perform vehicle dynamics analysis and simulations to optimize handling and ride quality.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for chassis components.
• Collaborate with CAE teams to conduct simulations and validate designs.
• Develop and execute chassis test plans (bench and in-vehicle) at Nelspruit facility.
• Analyze test data, identify issues, and implement design improvements.
• Work with manufacturing engineers on manufacturability and assembly.
• Stay updated on chassis tech, materials, and manufacturing advances.
• Maintain detailed design documentation and specifications.
• Ensure designs comply with South Africa safety regulations and standards.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics understanding

Suspension systems

Steering mechanisms

Braking systems

Analytical problem-solving

Teamwork & communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/A Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MSC Nastran

Adams / CarSim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive industry, is seeking a talented Automotive Chassis Systems Engineer for their operations in Nelspruit . This role is central to the design, development, and validation of vehicle chassis systems, including suspension, steering, braking, and structural components, ensuring optimal vehicle dynamics, ride comfort, and safety. You will collaborate with design, simulation, and testing teams to bring innovative chassis solutions from concept to production. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, vehicle dynamics, and component integration, along with hands‑on experience in automotive development environments. This is a key position for an engineer passionate about vehicle handling and performance. Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , this hands‑on role requires a dedicated professional committed to engineering excellence. Our client is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, offering a dynamic workplace where your contributions will be valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop chassis components and systems, including suspension, steering, braking, and subframes.
• Perform vehicle dynamics analysis and simulations to optimize handling, ride comfort, and stability.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for chassis components, ensuring performance and durability targets are met.
• Collaborate with CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) teams to conduct simulations and validate designs.
• Develop and execute test plans for chassis systems, both on bench and in-vehicle, within the Nelspruit facility.
• Analyze test data, identify potential issues, and implement design improvements.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Stay current with advancements in chassis technologies, materials, and manufacturing techniques.
• Maintain detailed documentation of designs, analyses, test results, and technical specifications.
• Ensure all chassis designs comply with safety regulations and industry standards applicable in South Africa .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive chassis systems design and development.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, steering mechanisms, and braking systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, MSC Nastran).
• Experience with simulation software for vehicle dynamics analysis (e.g., Adams, CarSim).
• Knowledge of material properties and manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components.
• Experience in designing for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, crucial for working effectively in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and analysis tools is provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and potential for involvement in vehicle testing programs, are available.
• Join a team dedicated to engineering excellence in the automotive sector in Nelspruit .
• Enjoy paid annual leave and a supportive work culture.