Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Acoustics

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape seeks a Mechanical Engineer with NVH expertise to design and optimize mechanical systems that reduce vehicle NVH. You will partner with acoustic specialists, use CATIA/SolidWorks for modeling, and conduct vibration analyses to ensure robust, manufacturable designs.

You will collaborate across design, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams, contributing to automotive NVH targets and supporting testing activities in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4–6 years of mechanical design experience in automotive, focused on NVH or acoustics.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (CATIA/SolidWorks) and vibration analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of acoustics, materials, and vehicle component behavior.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and systems to reduce vehicle NVH (e.g., engine mounts, exhaust components, insulation).
• Collaborate with acoustic engineers to translate NVH targets into mechanical requirements.
• Use CAD tools to model parts with manufacturability in mind.
• Perform vibration and modal analyses to predict and mitigate acoustic issues.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing to meet acoustic and mechanical specs.
• Support vehicle integration and testing to enhance overall acoustic performance.
• Document design specs, test results, and analyses.

Skills

3D CAD

NVH acoustics

Vibration analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a Tier 1 automotive supplier renowned for its innovative solutions, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in Acoustics to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape. This role will focus on designing and developing mechanical systems and components that contribute to vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction. You will work closely with acoustic specialists, design engineers, and vehicle integration teams to optimize acoustic performance. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the driving experience of millions of vehicles and contribute to cutting-edge automotive technology. Our East London facility houses our advanced R&D and testing capabilities, offering a dynamic environment for engineers passionate about automotive innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems that contribute to vehicle NVH reduction, such as engine mounts, exhaust system components, and insulation structures.
• Collaborate with acoustic engineers to understand NVH targets and translate them into mechanical design requirements.
• Utilize CAD software for designing and modeling components, ensuring optimal mechanical properties and manufacturability.
• Perform analysis, including vibration analysis and modal analysis, to predict and mitigate acoustic issues.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing to ensure components are produced to the required acoustic and mechanical specifications.
• Support vehicle integration and testing activities, contributing to the overall acoustic performance of automotive systems.
• Troubleshoot NVH-related issues during product development and vehicle integration phases.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and analysis results.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in automotive acoustics and mechanical design.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant automotive standards and customer requirements within Eastern Cape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably within the automotive industry, with a focus on NVH or acoustics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and experience with vibration analysis tools.
• Solid understanding of vibration principles, acoustics, material science, and automotive component behavior.
• Experience working with acoustic testing equipment and interpreting NVH data.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes and materials is advantageous.
• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and powertrain integration is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and numerous opportunities for professional development and training. The work environment in East London is collaborative and innovative, providing exposure to exciting automotive technologies and projects. We foster a culture that values employee growth and contribution. This position utilizes a hybrid work model, allowing for a flexible balance between working from our Eastern Cape office and remote workdays, promoting enhanced work-life integration for our team members.