Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Chassis

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site role

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career progression

High-performance vehicles design

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for an on-site role in East London, South Africa. You will design automotive chassis components, including suspension, steering, and braking systems, and create detailed drawings and BOMs for production.

You will collaborate with CAE analysts, testing engineers and manufacturing teams to optimise performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver durable, high‑quality vehicle structures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in mechanical design for automotive chassis.
• Proficiency in CATIA or SolidWorks and understanding of FEA.

Responsibilities

• Design automotive chassis components (suspension, steering, braking) using CAD tools.
• Perform structural, kinematic, and dynamic analyses to optimise performance.
• Create engineering drawings, specifications and BOMs.
• Collaborate with CAE analysts, testing engineers and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements and safety targets.

Skills

Mechanical design

Automotive chassis knowledge

FEM/FEA basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in automotive chassis systems for their facility in East London . You will be integral to the design, development, and refinement of chassis components and structures, ensuring optimal vehicle dynamics, safety, and durability. This role demands a deep understanding of mechanical principles and their application in the challenging automotive environment. Join a dedicated team focused on engineering excellence and innovation in vehicle design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive chassis components, including suspension, steering, and braking systems, using advanced CAD tools .
• Perform detailed structural, kinematic, and dynamic analysis to optimize chassis performance and durability.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate closely with CAE analysts, testing engineers, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure designs meet all regulatory requirements, safety standards, and performance targets.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions during prototype and production phases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a focus on automotive chassis systems.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and an understanding of FEA principles.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering data and translate it into design improvements.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• On-site role offering direct involvement with vehicle engineering.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for career progression within the automotive sector.
• Contribute to the design of high-performance vehicles.