Lead Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Annual leave

Training programs

R&D facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Gauteng to steer the product development of next-generation automotive components. Based on-site in Tembisa, you will lead a team of engineers, drive design and validation, and ensure adherence to OEM standards from concept to production.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years’ experience with at least 3 years in leadership, and strong CATIA/NX and simulation skills to optimize performance and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive experience in automotive component design and validation.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 or NX with surfacing and complex assemblies.
• Strong experience with FEA, CFD, and thermal simulations.
• Knowledge of stamping, casting, and injection molding processes.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Project management experience including budget and schedule control.
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP processes.
• Eligible to work legally in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers through the product development lifecycle.
• Oversee design and validation of automotive components in line with OEM specs.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling and assemblies.
• Conduct FEA/CFD/thermal analyses to validate designs.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and QA teams.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for senior management and clients.
• Drive design process improvements and product performance enhancements.
• Stay updated on emerging automotive technologies.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA NX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding firm specializing in advanced automotive component design and manufacturing, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead their product development initiatives. This pivotal role will involve leading a team of talented engineers in the design, development, and validation of next-generation automotive parts and systems. You will be at the forefront of innovation, working with state-of-the-art materials and technologies to enhance vehicle performance, efficiency, and safety. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the automotive sector, driving technological advancements from conception to mass production. The position is based in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA , requiring a dedicated on-site presence to foster team collaboration and hands-on project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Oversee the design and engineering of automotive mechanical components, ensuring compliance with OEM specifications and industry standards.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) for 3D modeling, drafting, and complex assemblies.
• Conduct rigorous analysis (FEA, CFD, thermal) to validate designs and predict performance under various operating conditions.
• Develop and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to achieve project goals.
• Prepare and present technical reports, design documentation, and project updates to senior management and clients.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design processes and product performance.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with automotive component design and validation.
• Expert proficiency in CATIA V5 or NX, with strong knowledge of surfacing and complex assembly management.
• Proven ability to perform and interpret advanced FEA, CFD, and thermal simulations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components (e.g., stamping, casting, injection molding).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Project management experience, including budget and schedule control.
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP processes.
• Must possess legal authorization to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement annuity.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development programs.
• State-of-the-art R&D facilities.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.