Engineering Manager

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is seeking a seasoned engineer to spearhead the development of innovative body applications. You will leverage extensive experience and management skills to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring designs meet customer and industry standards while driving continuous improvement. If you possess a strong background in engineering, regulatory knowledge, and leadership capabilities, this role offers an exciting opportunity to influence product development processes and outcomes.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in body application fabrication or related industry.
• Minimum of 5 years of truck industry experience.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional engineering reviews to assess requirements for body applications.
• Oversee development and refinement of body application concepts.
• Provide direction and mentorship to the engineering team.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Ability

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Creative Ability

Problem-Solving

Education

Tertiary Engineering qualification (T4/ Degree in Mechanical Engineering)

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Trans Solve

CAD

CAE

Job description

REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary Engineering qualification (T4/ Degree in Mechanical Engineering)
• At least 10 years of experience in body application fabrication or the related industry
• A minimum of 5 years of truck industry experience, particularly in the engineering/ manufacturing and/ or sales environment
• In-depth knowledge of automotive standards and regulatory requirements (NCRS and Road Ordinance regulations)
• Computer literacy: MS Office suite, and Project Management
• Experience in computer applications for CAD and CAE
• Advanced knowledge of design software (Autodesk Inventor application, such as Advanced Design, FEA and Simulations, and Vault Professional)
• People supervision/ management
• Previous body application shop floor experience desirable

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Valid EC driver’s licence required
• Understanding of engineering theory and principles of design
• Knowledge and experience of/ with Trans Solve, CAD and CAE computer applications
• Familiarity with basic manufacturing/ metal fabrication processes
• Basic understanding of regulatory requirements on body applications (NCRS/ NATIS and road traffic ordinance)
• High level of body application subject matter knowledge (load distribution, OEM body builder requirements)
• Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle, homologation processes, and engineering change management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset, as well as cross-company interaction
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement
• High level of analytical ability to solve problems at component/ subsystem/ vehicle level
• High degree of planning and creative ability, and discipline
• Work overtime as required to achieve deadlines
• Be able to travel as required to support product issue resolution and supplier interaction

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead cross-functional engineering reviews to assess customer and market requirements for body applications and convert them into technically sound and feasible design proposals
• Oversee the development and refinement of body application concepts, ensuring technical solutions align with the company's strategic objectives and product roadmap
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and technical trade-off evaluations to determine optimal solutions based on cost, mass, timing, design for assembly, and performance metrics
• Collaborate closely with product management, sales, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure proposed solutions meet customer expectations and internal operational standards
• Validate proposed designs through simulations, prototyping, and testing in alignment with internal and industry standards
• Provide direction and mentorship to the engineering team, ensuring consistent application of best practices, design standards, and engineering methodologies
• Review and approve technical drawings, 3D models, and engineering documentation for submission to the development and production phases
• Manage the engineering change management (ECM) process, ensuring the timely and controlled implementation of design modifications
• Support homologation activities, including documentation and technical validation required for NATIS, NCRS, and other regulatory approvals
• Identify and mitigate technical risks early in the development process through proactive design reviews, FMEAs, and validation planning
• Track project milestones and ensure timely delivery of engineering outputs in line with overall product development timelines
• Promote continuous improvement within the engineering function by implementing new technologies, design tools, and process enhancements