Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to design automotive components from concept through validation. You will work on 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and BOMs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical design within the automotive sector and strong CAD/FEA skills (CATIA V5, Siemens NX, ANSYS/Abaqus).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design experience, automotive preferred.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 and Siemens NX CAD software.
• Experience with FEA tools ANSYS or Abaqus for analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive systems and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP quality processes.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies for automotive applications using 3D CAD.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications and BOMs per APQP/PPAP standards.
• Perform stress, thermal and vibration analysis to ensure durability.
• Collaborate with product, manufacturing and quality teams for feasibility.
• Manage design release and documentation timelines.
• Support prototype builds, testing and validation activities.
• Troubleshoot design issues during development and production.
• Stay updated on automotive trends and technologies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the engineering team.
• Mentor junior engineers on design best practices.

Skills

3D CAD

Mechanical design

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative product development team. This role, based in Vereeniging, will focus on the design and development of critical automotive components, contributing to the next generation of vehicles. You will be involved in the entire design cycle, from concept generation and 3D modeling to prototyping and validation. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of automotive systems, a passion for automotive engineering, and excellent CAD skills. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge automotive technology in Vereeniging and shape the future of mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies for automotive applications using advanced 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs) in accordance with industry standards (e.g., APQP, PPAP).
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to ensure component performance and durability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Manage the design release process and ensure timely delivery of design documentation.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities, analyzing results and implementing design improvements.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues encountered during development, testing, or production phases.
• Stay abreast of automotive industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion focused on the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and associated PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for component analysis.
• Strong understanding of automotive systems (e.g., powertrain, chassis, thermal management) and their mechanical requirements.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, injection molding).
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards and development processes (APQP, PPAP).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development. This role in Vereeniging provides a unique opportunity to be part of the automotive industry's evolution. You will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with a team of passionate engineers dedicated to innovation. Career advancement opportunities are available within this global organization.