Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop and validate automotive components and sub-systems. This hybrid role blends remote work with on-site collaboration, requiring CATIA V5 or SolidWorks proficiency and strong CAD/FEA skills.

You will work with manufacturing, quality and purchasing teams to ensure parts meet ISO/TS16949 and customer requirements, participate in design reviews, and support prototypes and validation activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years of mechanical design experience in automotive.
• Proficiency in CAD/FEA software.
• Knowledge of ISO/TS 16949 and PPAP/APQP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design automotive components using CATIA V5 or SolidWorks.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses with FEA tools.
• Create detailed 2D/3D drawings and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality and purchasing teams.
• Support prototype development, testing and validation.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and customer requirements.
• SStay updated on new technologies and best practices in automotive design.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

ANSYS

HyperMesh

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established tier-1 supplier of automotive components, is looking for a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. This hybrid position offers a dynamic mix of remote work flexibility and essential on-site collaboration, perfect for an engineer seeking both autonomy and team interaction. You will be responsible for the design, development, and validation of intricate mechanical parts and sub-systems for the automotive industry. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material science, and design-for-manufacturability principles. Join a company committed to quality and innovation, contributing to the next generation of automotive technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive components and assemblies using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks).
• Perform mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, using FEA tools.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and purchasing departments.
• Support prototype development, testing, and validation activities.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions to improve product performance and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in automotive component design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5 or SolidWorks) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, HyperMesh).
• Good understanding of automotive manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, and assembly.
• Knowledge of material properties and selection for automotive applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork in a hybrid setting.
• Ability to work independently on remote tasks and participate actively in on-site meetings and lab work in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP processes is a plus.
• Must be able to commute to the Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA office regularly.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to work remotely while maintaining strong team connections through in-office collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects and grow your career within a stable and respected automotive supplier. Join a team that values innovation, quality, and employee contribution in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.