Mechanical Design Engineer (Automotive Focus)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and refine high-performance automotive components. This on-site role demands translating concepts into manufacturable parts while collaborating with R&D, manufacturing and quality teams.

You will use CAD tools such as SolidWorks and CATIA V5, perform analyses, and ensure compliance with ISO/TS 16949. If you have a passion for automotive engineering and strong problem-solving skills, this is your opportunity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years in mechanical design, automotive focus.
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA V5) and basic CAE.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (stamping, molding, machining).
• Familiar with automotive industry standards and best practices.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Willing to work full-time at Vereeniging facility.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive components and assemblies using CAD software.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and BOMs.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations to validate designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and R&D across the product lifecycle.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation activities.
• Ensure designs comply with ISO/TS 16949 and customer specs.
• Troubleshoot design issues and support production processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of products and processes.
• Research and recommend new materials and technologies to enhance performance.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA V5

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the automotive components manufacturing industry, is seeking a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This is an essential on-site role where you will be deeply involved in the design, development, and refinement of high-performance automotive parts and systems. Your expertise will be critical in translating conceptual designs into tangible, manufacturable products that meet stringent automotive standards for quality, durability, and performance. You will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless integration and successful product launches. We are looking for a passionate engineer with a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of automotive engineering principles. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of automotive technology within a well-established organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations (e.g., stress analysis, thermal analysis) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and R&D, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation activities, analyzing results and implementing design modifications.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues and provide technical support for production processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for existing products and manufacturing processes.
• Research and recommend new materials and technologies to enhance product performance and manufacturability.

Requirements

• Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on automotive components or systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA V5) and basic understanding of CAE tools.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, machining).
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to work full-time at our facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng .
• Experience with material selection and properties relevant to automotive applications.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• This role provides the opportunity to work on exciting projects within the automotive sector, contributing to cutting-edge vehicle technologies.
• Employees benefit from professional development programs, a supportive team environment, and the chance to grow within a reputable company located in Vereeniging .
• Join us and be part of a team dedicated to engineering excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.