Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

International collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with strong automotive experience to join our client’s team. You will design mechanical components and subsystems, perform FEA, create drawings, and ensure quality and standards compliance on-site.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years in automotive design, and proficiency with CATIA V5, Siemens NX, and FEA tools (ANSYS/Abaqus).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5 and Siemens NX.
• Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus.
• Knowledge of automotive materials, manufacturing processes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and subsystems for automotive applications using CAD.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA tools.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications and documentation.
• Collaborate with styling, simulation, testing and manufacturing teams.
• Oversee prototyping, testing and validation to meet performance targets.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive standards and client specs.
• Support ramp-up with manufacturing and production teams.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

PDM/PLM systems

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive component manufacturing, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical in the design and development of innovative automotive components, contributing to the next generation of vehicles. The successful candidate will utilize advanced engineering principles and cutting-edge tools to create robust and efficient designs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within the automotive supply chain in a key industrial hub of KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical components and sub-systems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software. Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, using FEA tools. Create comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation packages. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including styling, simulation, testing, and manufacturing departments. Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of designed components to meet performance requirements. Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues throughout the product development cycle. Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) and client specifications. Contribute to cost reduction initiatives through design optimization and material selection. Support manufacturing and production teams with technical expertise during the ramp-up phase. Stay current with automotive industry trends and emerging technologies in mechanical design.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive industry. Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and associated PDM/PLM systems. Strong experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus). In-depth knowledge of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles. Familiarity with automotive powertrain, chassis, or body systems is highly advantageous. Candidates must be willing to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for international collaboration and career advancement. Join a dynamic and innovative environment that values technical excellence and rewards contributions. This role in Richards Bay provides a great opportunity to be part of a leading automotive supplier.