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

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape . This hybrid role offers a stimulating environment where innovation meets practicality, allowing for both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions. You will lead the mechanical design efforts for critical vehicle components and systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, durability, and manufacturability. This leadership position requires a profound understanding of mechanical engineering principles, advanced CAD/CAE tools, and a passion for automotive excellence. You will mentor junior engineers, drive design reviews, and interface with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and procurement. If you are a driven engineer looking to make a significant impact on the next generation of vehicles, this opportunity in Upington is for you. Come shape the future of automotive design with us.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components and systems from concept to production.
• Oversee the creation and management of 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced software.
• Conduct and interpret Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to validate designs.
• Ensure designs meet performance, durability, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
• Develop and implement robust testing plans for mechanical components and systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering their technical growth.
• Lead design reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to engineering standards.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, software development, and manufacturing.
• Interface with suppliers to ensure component quality and timely delivery.
• Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and automotive technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical design issues that arise during development or production.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a 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 software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials science, stress analysis, and thermal management.
• Experience with automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, injection molding).
• Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience with hybrid and electric vehicle technologies is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Attractive salary package with potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training, professional certifications, and career progression.
• Access to state-of-the‑art design and simulation tools.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Employee discounts and perks.