Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Retirement plan contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a remote, work-from-home role. You will design automotive components, build detailed models and drawings, and run FEA simulations to validate performance across vehicle systems.

The ideal candidate has a strong CAD background, knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and a proactive, self-driven approach to remote collaboration with global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design engineering experience in automotive components.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 or SolidWorks; strong CAD modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components using CAD software (CATIA V5, SolidWorks).
• Create 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings with GD&T.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses using ANSYS or Abaqus.

Skills

CAD proficiency

FEM/FEA analysis

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

GD&T

Materials science

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a Tier 1 automotive supplier known for its innovation, is seeking a diligent Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge automotive components. The position is structured as a remote opportunity, allowing you to work from home while collaborating with a global engineering network. You will be involved in creating detailed designs, performing simulations, and supporting product validation for various vehicle systems. The ideal candidate possesses strong CAD skills, a solid understanding of automotive engineering principles, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive applications using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks).
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings with proper GD&T.
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations using FEA tools.
• Collaborate effectively with remote cross-functional teams, including product engineers, manufacturing engineers, and quality assurance.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes, ensuring designs meet performance, cost, and durability targets.
• Support prototyping and testing activities, analyze results, and implement design modifications.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards and customer specifications.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Contribute to design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers and stakeholders.
• Effectively manage workload and communicate project status in a remote environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a focus on automotive components.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (CATIA V5 or SolidWorks highly preferred).
• Experience with FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Solid understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping), and automotive quality systems (e.g., APQP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work setting.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and capable of working remotely from any location within the country.

Benefits

• This remote role offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive private medical coverage, retirement plan contributions, and generous paid time off.
• Employees benefit from continuous learning opportunities and exposure to advanced automotive technologies.
• Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while contributing to impactful projects for a leading automotive supplier.