Junior Automotive Designer - Mentored In Vehicle Design

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 960,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks an Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, and test mechanical components and systems for next‑generation vehicles. You will apply CAD tools to create 2D/3D models, run simulations, and ensure manufacturability.

You will collaborate with electrical, software and manufacturing teams, participate in design reviews, oversee prototyping, and help drive cost reduction and reliability in a fast‑growing automotive tech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of mechanical design experience, preferably automotive.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and simulation tools; knowledge of DFM.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using CAD software.
• Perform FEA and simulations to validate strength, durability, thermal performance, and manufacturability.
• Create detailed 2D/3D models, drawings, and specs for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated system design.
• Oversee prototype development and testing, analyze results, and iterate on designs.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive standards and customer requirements.

Skills

CAD software

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Pro/ENGINEER

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer

Our client, a forward-thinking automotive technology company based in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a talented Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer. This role is crucial for the design, development, and testing of innovative mechanical components and systems for future automotive applications. You will work on projects ranging from powertrain components and chassis systems to advanced vehicle structures, utilizing state-of-the- art CAD software and simulation tools. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, exceptional CAD skills, and experience in the automotive sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team in the picturesque Western Cape, contributing to the development of next-generation vehicles and technologies. We pride ourselves on a collaborative and innovative work environment, where your design expertise will play a key role in shaping the future of automotive engineering. You will be instrumental in translating concepts into tangible, high-performance mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulations to validate designs for strength, durability, thermal performance, and manufacturability.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure integrated system design.
• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Oversee prototype development and testing, analyzing results, and iterating on designs.
• Investigate and resolve design-related issues that arise during development or production.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards, regulations and customer requirements.
• Stay current with new materials, technologies, and design trends in the automotive industry in Paarl.
• Contribute to value engineering and cost reduction initiatives for existing and new designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Knowledge of automotive standards and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Experience with product development lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth and development. This role is based in Paarl, Western