Automotive Mechanical Engineer - Design & Development

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Pension/retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join its Design & Development team near Vereeniging, Gauteng. The hybrid role involves conceiving, designing, prototyping and supporting production of cutting-edge automotive components.

You will apply CAD, simulations and material science knowledge to deliver robust designs. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in automotive mechanical design, strong CAD/FEA experience (SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS) and solid project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development in automotive.
• Proficiency in CAD for 3D modeling and drafting (SolidWorks / CATIA or similar).
• Experience with engineering simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus or CFD.
• Strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics and stress analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (injection molding, stamping, machining).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills for a hybrid environment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new automotive mechanical components and systems using CAD software.
• Conduct engineering analysis and simulations to validate designs and predict performance.
• Create detailed technical drawings, specifications and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, QA and R&D throughout product development.
• Build and test prototypes, analyze results and modify designs as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during manufacturing or field testing.
• Stay updated on latest automotive engineering advancements and materials.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of existing designs and processes.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations communicating design concepts and status.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and customer requirements.
• Manage multiple design projects, adhering to timelines and budgets.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

CFD

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive component manufacturer based near Vereeniging, Gauteng , is looking for a talented Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their dynamic Design & Development team. This hybrid role offers the chance to contribute to the innovation and engineering of cutting-edge automotive components. You will be involved in the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to prototyping, testing, and production support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in mechanical engineering principles, coupled with practical experience in CAD software, simulation tools, and a passion for automotive technology. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of automotive parts in the vibrant industrial hub of Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new automotive mechanical components and systems using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Conduct engineering analysis and simulations (e.g., FEA, CFD) to validate designs and predict performance under various conditions.
• Create detailed technical drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D, throughout the product development process.
• Build and test prototypes, analyzing results and making design modifications as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues that arise during manufacturing or field testing.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive engineering, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of existing product designs and manufacturing processes.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate design concepts, test results, and project status.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to project timelines and budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and development within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in using CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling and drafting.
• Experience with engineering simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus (FEA), or CFD software.
• Strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, and mechanical stress analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, essential for a hybrid collaborative environment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with your experience and qualifications in automotive mechanical engineering. Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits are provided. Employees enjoy generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave. Opportunities for professional development, further education, and career advancement within the company are available. This hybrid role offers a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, contributing to a rewarding career in the automotive sector near Vereeniging .