Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Dynamics

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid vacation

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovation in automotive dynamics. You will lead design initiatives, mentor engineers, and shape next-generation components in a hybrid office setting.

The role requires a strong background in CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks/Siemens NX), FEA, and hands-on leadership to deliver safe, high-performance systems for vehicle applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design engineering, with a strong automotive focus.
• Proven leadership experience, managing design projects and teams.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software (CATIA/SolidWorks/Siemens NX) and FEA tools (ANSYS/Abaqus).

Responsibilities

• Lead design of mechanical systems for automotive applications, focusing on suspension and powertrain components.
• Oversee creation of 3D models, 2D drawings, and assemblies using CAD software.
• Perform FEA and potentially dynamic simulations for stress and thermal analysis.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, testing, and quality teams for seamless development.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet milestones.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote design best practices.
• Develop design validation plans, prototyping, and testing strategies.
• Identify opportunities for design optimization to improve performance and reduce weight.
• Stay updated on automotive tech trends and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all designs meet safety, regulatory, and performance standards.]
• CoT_job_summary_short
• COMPANY NAME: Placements24KEY POINTS: Leadership in mechanical design, automotive focus, hybrid Cape Town
• job_summary_short
• <p>Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovation in automotive dynamics. You will lead design initiatives, mentor engineers, and shape next-generation components in a hybrid office setting.</p><p>The role requires a strong background in CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks/Siemens NX), FEA, and hands-on leadership to deliver safe, high-performance systems for vehicle applications.</p><p>Join a dynamic team at a respected automotive technology firm and influence the future of vehicle engineering from Cape Town.</p>
• contract_type
• fulltime
• location_type
• hybrid
• remote_scope
• national
• perks
• [{"name":"Competitive salary"},{"name":"Health insurance"},{"name":"Pension plan"},{"name":"Paid vacation"},{"name":"Hybrid work model"},{"name":"Professional development"}]
• stated_min
• null
• stated_absolute
• null
• salary_estimation_cot
• Lead Mechanical Design Engineer in Cape Town with 8+ years' automotive experience: market range 900000–1500000 ZAR annually.
• estimated_low
• 900000
• estimated_medium
• 1200000
• estimated_high
• 1500000
• currency
• ZAR
• frequency
• yearly
• bonus
• null
• tax
• gross
• application_email
• null
• job_end_date
• null
• contact_person
• null
• hiring_department_name
• null

Skills

Leadership

CAD Software

FEA Analysis

Automotive Systems

Multi-body Dynamics

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead innovative projects in automotive dynamics. This role is based in our vibrant Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA office, offering a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be responsible for leading design initiatives, mentoring a team of talented engineers, and driving the development of next-generation automotive components. This is a crucial position for an individual passionate about vehicle performance and mechanical innovation, seeking to make a significant impact within a respected automotive technology firm. You'll play a key role in shaping the future of automotive engineering from the beautiful surroundings of Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of advanced mechanical systems for automotive applications, focusing on suspension and powertrain components.
• Oversee the creation of detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and complex assemblies using advanced CAD software.
• Conduct rigorous analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and thermal loads, and potentially dynamic simulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance to ensure seamless product development.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of design milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers, fostering their technical growth and promoting best practices in design.
• Develop and implement design validation plans, including prototyping and testing strategies.
• Identify opportunities for design optimization to improve performance, reduce weight, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive mechanical design.
• Ensure all designs meet stringent safety, regulatory, and performance requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design engineering, with a strong specialization in automotive applications.
• Proven experience in a leadership or senior engineering role, managing design projects and teams.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding and practical experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) and potentially multi-body dynamics simulation.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive systems, component design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively lead and collaborate.
• Experience working within an ISO or IATF certified environment.
• Familiarity with automotive testing and validation procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, with a willingness to be present in the Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA office as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• A generous pension fund.
• Paid vacation days.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.
• We provide a stimulating work environment with access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to work on exciting automotive projects.
• This hybrid role supports a work-life balance, combining the benefits of collaborative office work with the flexibility of remote work.