Automotive Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid and pension fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks an experienced Automotive Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to guide the design of vehicle components and drive development from ideation to production.

You will lead a team, ensure design integrity with FEA analysis, and optimize for manufacturability and performance in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design with a strong automotive focus.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams and design projects from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components and systems (chassis, powertrain, body structures).
• Mentor and manage a team of mechanical design engineers; foster high performance.
• Create and review 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and technical specs; ensure quality outputs.

Skills

Leadership

3D CAD

FEA

GD&T

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer based in Tembisa, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced Automotive Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead their mechanical design division. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the design and development of critical vehicle components and systems. You will be responsible for leading a team of talented engineers, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance in all design outputs. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in bringing new automotive concepts from initial ideation through to production, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components and systems, including chassis, powertrain, and body structures.
• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Oversee the creation of detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and technical specifications using industry-standard software.
• Conduct thorough stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for mass production, considering DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly).
• Develop and execute validation plans, including prototyping, testing, and data analysis, to verify design performance against specifications.
• Identify and implement innovative design solutions to improve vehicle performance, reduce weight, and enhance cost-effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive technology, materials, and design methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing design projects from concept to completion.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (stamping, casting, forging, injection molding), and GD&T.
• Experience with automotive standards and regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Employees will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, including advanced training and workshops.
• This role provides the chance to work on exciting and challenging projects within a leading automotive company.
• The hybrid work model offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Join a supportive team dedicated to automotive excellence.