Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Chassis Systems

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan contributions

Professional development

East London facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Chassis Systems team in East London, South Africa. You will design, validate, and optimize chassis components for new vehicle programs, ensuring performance and durability.

You will use CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, CATIA) for 3D models, drawings, and assemblies while performing FEA/MB dyn analyses. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to deliver robust designs for production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, focusing on automotive chassis systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with FEA tools (Ansys, Abaqus) for stress and durability analysis.
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension kinematics.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in the East London automotive sector is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components.
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly designs.
• Conduct structural, durability, and kinematic analysis using FEA and multi-body dynamics software.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless incorporation of chassis systems into vehicle architecture.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production (DFM).
• Plan and oversee prototype builds and testing, analyzing data to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for chassis components.
• Troubleshoot design issues and propose effective engineering solutions.
• Stay current with automotive chassis technologies and industry best practices.

Skills

Mechanical design

Automotive systems

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Ansys

Abaqus

PDM/PLM

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer, is actively seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Chassis Systems team in **East London**. This role is instrumental in the design, development, and validation of innovative chassis components and systems for new vehicle programs. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the performance, safety, and durability of vehicle chassis. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of mechanical design principles, dynamics, and automotive systems, coupled with proficiency in CAD/CAE tools. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering within **East London**. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components.
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assembly designs.
• Conduct structural, durability, and kinematic analysis using FEA and multi-body dynamics software.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless incorporation of chassis systems into vehicle architecture.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production (DFM).
• Plan and oversee prototype builds and testing, analyzing data to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for chassis components.
• Troubleshoot design issues and propose effective engineering solutions.
• Stay current with automotive chassis technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a focus on automotive chassis systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for stress and durability analysis.
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension kinematics.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in the **East London** automotive sector is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement plan contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
• You will work in a dynamic and innovative environment with exposure to cutting-edge automotive technology.
• This role is based at our **East London** facility, offering a collaborative and growth-oriented work experience.
• We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our workforce.