Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop automotive components and systems. You will work with cross-functional teams to design for powertrain, chassis, and vehicle body applications.

You will validate designs with CAD, FEA/CFD, create manufacturing drawings, and contribute to ongoing process improvements in a fast-paced automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related automotive discipline.
• 3–5 years of mechanical design experience in automotive.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6 and automotive CAD tools.
• Experience with FEA for structural/thermal/vibration analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components and systems using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Conduct simulation and analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD) to validate design performance, durability, and safety under various operating conditions.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless fitment and function of designed components within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation for production.
• Participate in prototype builds, testing, and validation phases, analyzing results and implementing design refinements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and the adoption of new automotive technologies and materials.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD proficiency

FEA

Automotive systems understanding

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in the automotive sector for their facility in Centurion. This role will focus on designing and developing advanced mechanical components and systems for next-generation vehicles, contributing to innovation in areas such as powertrain, chassis, or vehicle body design. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and testing specialists, to bring complex automotive designs to life. The ideal candidate is passionate about automotive engineering and possesses a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and integrated system design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components and systems using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Conduct simulation and analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD) to validate design performance, durability, and safety under various operating conditions.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless fitment and function of designed components within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation for production.
• Participate in prototype builds, testing, and validation phases, analyzing results and implementing design refinements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and the adoption of new automotive technologies and materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related automotive engineering discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software relevant to automotive design, such as CATIA V5 or V6.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, or vibration analysis.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, materials, and industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge automotive technologies and development tools.
• Opportunities for travel to manufacturing sites and testing facilities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• A dynamic and innovative work culture within the automotive industry.