Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a leading automotive manufacturer based in Sandton, Gauteng. You will own the design lifecycle from concept through prototyping to validation and production support, delivering robust components for next-generation vehicles.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive design, proficiency with CATIA V5/SolidWorks/NX and FEA tools, and collaboration across powertrain, chassis, and electrical teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in mechanical design within automotive.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and PDM/PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and subsystems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
• Perform FEA analyses to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with powertrain, chassis, and electrical teams for system integration.
• Develop and execute design validation plans and participate in prototype testing.
• Maintain documentation throughout the design process.

Skills

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Teamwork

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

NX

AN SYS/NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer with a significant presence in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**, is actively seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the development of next-generation vehicle components. This role requires a creative and detail-oriented individual passionate about automotive engineering. You will be involved in the entire design lifecycle, from concept generation and prototyping to validation and production support. Working within a state-of-the-art facility in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**, you will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and designers to bring innovative automotive solutions to life. This is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer eager to make their mark in the dynamic automotive industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-systems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications for manufacturing.
• Perform complex engineering analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to optimize designs for performance, durability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including powertrain, chassis, and electrical engineering departments, to ensure system integration.
• Develop and execute design validation plans (DVPs) and participate in prototype testing.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues during development and production phases.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant automotive industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and the adoption of new design technologies.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation throughout the design process for projects related to **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related automotive engineering field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive sector.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks, NX) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) for stress, vibration, and thermal analysis.
• Solid understanding of automotive systems, materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping), and DFM/DFA principles.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a meticulous approach to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating within a global automotive company.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949) is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.
• Proximity to or willingness to relocate to **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA** is required for on-site work.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, competitive with industry standards, plus potential performance bonuses. The benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a retirement savings plan, and life insurance. We provide significant opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training programs, participation in international conferences, and career advancement within the automotive sector. This role is based on-site in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.