Automotive Performance Engineer – R&D for High-Performance Cars

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Performance Engineer in Centurion, Gauteng, to advance vehicle performance through design, testing, and optimization of components and systems. You will use advanced simulation tools and real-world testing to push performance boundaries.

Ideal candidates hold a mechanical or automotive engineering degree with 4+ years in performance engineering, familiar with engine dynamics, aerodynamics, and CAE tools, and able to communicate complex results clearly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of automotive performance engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engines, vehicle dynamics, and aerodynamics.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test performance components and systems (exhaust, intake, suspension, ECU tuning).
• Use CAD/CAE tools for simulation and analysis (CFD, FEA).
• Conduct dyno and track testing to measure improvements.
• Analyze data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for mass production feasibility.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations of findings.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and propose innovative solutions.
• Ensure designs meet safety, regulatory, and performance targets.
• Work with marketing to translate market needs into specs.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Vehicle dynamics

Aerodynamics

Analytical skills

Independent work

Technical writing

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng.

Master's in Automotive Eng.

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

STAR-CCM+

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Performance Engineer in Centurion, Gauteng, to advance vehicle performance through design, testing, and optimization of components and systems. You will use advanced simulation tools and real-world testing to push performance boundaries.

Ideal candidates hold a mechanical or automotive engineering degree with 4+ years in performance engineering, familiar with engine dynamics, aerodynamics, and CAE tools, and able to communicate complex results clearly.