Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Powertrain Components

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health & retirement benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer in East London to lead the design of powertrain components, from engine blocks to transmission gears, using CATIA V5 or SolidWorks and alongside CAE analyses for robust validation.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and QA teams, ensuring DFMA practices and compliance with industry standards. A strong track record in automotive design is required, with growth opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop powertrain components using CAD software (CATIA V5, SolidWorks).
• Perform stress, thermal, fatigue and vibration simulations with CAE tools (ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Create BOMs, drawings, and design specifications.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing engineering, QA, and vehicle integration teams.
• Specify materials, processes and quality requirements for powertrain parts.
• Develop and execute prototype tests and implement design improvements.
• Troubleshoot design issues during development, testing, and integration.
• Stay updated on automotive trends and powertrain advancements.
• Ensure designs meet performance, durability, cost and manufacturability targets.

Skills

Powertrain design

DFM/ DFA

Materials science

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

A leading automotive supplier renowned for its innovative powertrain solutions is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic product development team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for the design, development, and validation of complex powertrain components, including engine parts, transmission systems, and driveline components. You will utilize advanced CAD/CAE tools to create robust designs, perform intricate analyses, and collaborate with manufacturing and testing teams to bring high-performance products to market. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in automotive mechanical design and a passion for automotive technology. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evolution of vehicle performance in East London .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive powertrain components such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, transmission gears, and related assemblies using CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks).


• Conduct detailed mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, fatigue, and vibration simulations, using CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).


• Create and manage comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs), technical drawings, and design specifications.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and vehicle integration teams.


• Specify materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control requirements for powertrain components.


• Develop and execute prototype testing plans, analyze results, and implement design improvements.


• Troubleshoot design issues encountered during development, testing, and vehicle integration phases.


• Stay current with automotive industry trends, new technologies, and powertrain advancements.


• Ensure designs meet performance, durability, cost, and manufacturability targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• A Master's degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a specific focus on automotive powertrain components.


• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks) and CAE tools for analysis.


• Strong understanding of engine and transmission systems, kinematics, dynamics, and material science.


• Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.


• Knowledge of casting, forging, machining, and heat treatment processes relevant to automotive components.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities.


• Familiarity with automotive industry quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. You will work within a state-of-the-art facility in East London, Eastern Cape , contributing to the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies. Join a company committed to excellence and innovation in the automotive sector.