Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Paid time off

Modern office facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join a global automotive supplier. The role focuses on design, development, and validation of mechanical components for powertrain, chassis, and thermal management, using CAD tools and CAE analysis in a hybrid work setting.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and R&D, contribute to product lifecycle from concept to prototyping to production support, and stay current with industry trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in automotive.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX).
• Experience with CAE tools for structural, thermal, or kinematic analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes ( stamping, casting, injection molding ).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using CAD software.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses to validate designs.
• Create detailed 2D/3D drawings and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize for production.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation activities.
• Troubleshoot design issues during product development and production.
• Collaborate with purchasing on material selection and supplier interactions.
• Contribute to technical documentation and design reviews.
• Stay updated with automotive trends and technologies.
• Participate in team meetings, both remote and in-person.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

CAE tools (structural/thermal/kinematic)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized automotive supplier renowned for its innovative component solutions, is looking for a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their growing team in Rustenburg. This role offers a hybrid work model, combining the benefits of remote flexibility with essential in-office collaboration. You will play a crucial role in the design, development, and validation of cutting-edge mechanical components for the next generation of vehicles. This includes working on systems such as powertrain components, chassis elements, and thermal management solutions. We seek a driven engineer with a passion for automotive technology and a proven track record in product development. You will be integral to the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed design to prototyping and series production support. The ideal candidate will possess strong CAD skills, a solid understanding of material science and manufacturing processes relevant to the automotive industry, and excellent analytical capabilities. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant projects within a fast-paced, technologically advanced environment. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D, to ensure the successful integration and performance of designed components. The Rustenburg location provides a strategic advantage for collaboration with local manufacturing partners and research facilities, while the hybrid model allows for focused independent work and crucial face-to-face team engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using CAD software.
• Perform engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, to validate designs.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production processes.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation activities for new components.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement solutions during product development and series production.
• Work closely with the purchasing department on material selection and supplier interactions.
• Contribute to technical documentation and design reviews.
• Stay updated with automotive industry trends and new technologies.
• Participate actively in team meetings, both remote and in-person.

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, Siemens NX).
• Experience with CAE tools for structural, thermal, or kinematic analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive component manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, injection molding).
• Understanding of material properties and selection for automotive applications.
• Good understanding of automotive systems and vehicle architecture.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, effective in a hybrid setting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits or team meetings as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work on exciting automotive technologies.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Hybrid work flexibility for a balanced lifestyle.
• Collaborative team environment.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Modern office facilities.