Hybrid Lead Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Bonuses possible

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer in Upington for a hybrid role. You will spearhead mechanical design for critical vehicle components, oversee CAD/CAE activities, and ensure performance, durability, and manufacturability.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and suppliers to shape next‑gen automotive solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, advanced CAD/CAE skills, and experience with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical design.
• Proven experience leading design projects and mentoring engineering teams.
• Expert proficiency in CAD/CAE tools: CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX and ANSYS/Abaqus.
• Knowledge of materials science, stress analysis and thermal management.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of automotive components from concept to production.
• Oversee 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced software.
• Perform and interpret FEA/CFD to validate designs.
• Ensure designs meet performance, durability, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
• Develop and implement robust testing plans for components and systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical design engineers; lead design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

Project mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer in Upington for a hybrid role. You will spearhead mechanical design for critical vehicle components, oversee CAD/CAE activities, and ensure performance, durability, and manufacturability.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and suppliers to shape next‑gen automotive solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, advanced CAD/CAE skills, and experience with