Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Centurion to drive end-to-end development of automotive components. The role focuses on translating customer requirements into high-performance, cost-effective designs using CAD tools and simulations.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and QA to ensure manufacturability and compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate holds a Mechanical Engineering degree with 3–5 years of automotive design experience and strong skills in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in automotive.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and simulation tools; strong materials knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using CAD.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration simulations to ensure robustness.
• Create 3D models, 2D drawings, tolerances, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize producibility.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation activities.

Skills

3D CAD

Simulation tools

Materials selection

Automotive standards

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA V5

ANYSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to their cutting-edge automotive components division. Based in Centurion, Gauteng , this role involves the end-to-end design and development of innovative mechanical solutions for the next generation of vehicles. You will be a key player in translating customer requirements and market trends into high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective components. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a fast-paced automotive sector, collaborating with a dedicated team of engineers and specialists. The successful candidate will have a passion for automotive engineering and a strong commitment to quality and innovation. The Centurion location provides a strategic base within South Africa's automotive hub, offering excellent career growth prospects and a collaborative professional network.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including structural, thermal, and vibration simulations (FEA/CFD), to ensure design robustness and performance.
• Create comprehensive engineering documentation, including 3D models, 2D drawings, tolerances, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to define production processes and ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability.
• Participate in prototype development, testing, and validation activities, troubleshooting design issues as they arise.
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to ensure all components meet stringent automotive standards and specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends, new materials, and emerging automotive technologies to drive innovation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
• Support sales and marketing teams with technical information and design insights.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA V5) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of material properties and selection for automotive applications.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and relevant regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage tasks efficiently and work under pressure to meet project deadlines.
• Experience with plastic injection molding design and manufacturing is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive annual salary, comprehensive medical aid, and pension fund contributions. There are excellent opportunities for professional development, including training programs and potential for career advancement within a leading automotive supplier. This role is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng , offering a dynamic and collaborative working environment. We believe in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, providing our employees with the tools and support they need to succeed. Join our team and contribute to the future of automotive engineering.