Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Powertrain

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package and benefits

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual leave and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a leading automotive powertrain team in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will design, validate, and optimize mechanical components for engines, transmissions, and drivetrains using CATIA or SolidWorks, with a focus on durability and manufacturability.

This hybrid role combines on-site engineering work with remote flexibility. You will run FEA/thermal analyses, prepare detailed drawings, and collaborate with simulation, testing, and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in automotive powertrain components.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and data management systems.
• Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Knowledge of casting, forging, machining, and assembly processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication in a hybrid team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for engines, transmissions, and drivetrains using CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses (FEA) to ensure durability and performance.
• Create detailed drawings, tolerancing and manufacturing specifications.
• Collaborate with simulation, testing, and manufacturing teams to optimize designs.
• Develop prototypes and oversee testing, implementing design revisions as needed.
• Ensure designs meet performance, cost, regulatory, and quality targets.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to problem solving.
• Stay current with industry trends and powertrain design best practices.
• Manage timelines and documentation for assigned tasks.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Hybrid teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer with a significant presence in South Africa, is seeking an accomplished Mechanical Design Engineer to join their innovative powertrain development team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is critical in designing, developing, and validating cutting-edge mechanical components and systems for next-generation vehicle powertrains. You will engage in the entire product development lifecycle, from concept ideation through to production readiness, utilizing advanced design tools and methodologies. The position offers a hybrid work model, blending collaborative on-site engineering activities with remote flexibility, fostering both innovation and efficiency. If you are a skilled mechanical engineer with a passion for automotive technology, particularly powertrains, this is an excellent opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive engines, transmissions, and associated systems using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Conduct rigorous analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis (FEA), to ensure component durability and performance under extreme operating conditions.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, tolerancing, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including simulation engineers, testing engineers, and manufacturing specialists, to optimize designs.
• Develop prototypes and oversee their testing, analyzing results and implementing design revisions as necessary.
• Ensure designs meet all performance targets, cost constraints, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Participate actively in design reviews and contribute to technical problem-solving initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in automotive powertrain design.
• Manage project timelines and documentation for assigned design tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on automotive powertrain components (e.g., engines, transmissions, drivelines).
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software and associated data management systems.
• Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) and understanding of simulation-driven design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to powertrain components, such as casting, forging, machining, and assembly.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, enabling seamless collaboration in a hybrid team environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid setting in Polokwane, Limpopo , balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge automotive design and testing facilities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture focused on innovation.
• Potential for international assignments or career progression within the company.