Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Exposure to automotive technology

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, test, and support automotive components throughout production.

The role requires hands-on collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D teams, plus strong CAD/CAE proficiency and a drive for innovation in automotive component design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software and CAE tools for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies for automotive applications using 3D CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis.
• Create engineering drawings, specifications and BOMs per automotive standards (ISO, IATF).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design compatibility and manufacturability.
• Manage prototyping, testing, and analyze results to validate designs and identify improvements.
• Troubleshoot design issues during product development and mass production.

Skills

CAD software

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

CAE tools

ANSYS

MSC Nastran

Automotive systems

Thermodynamics

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

ANSYS

MSC Nastran

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier of advanced automotive components, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join their manufacturing and development team in Soweto . This role focuses on the design, development, testing, and production support of critical mechanical systems and components for the automotive industry. You will work on projects involving precision engineering, material science, and stringent quality control to meet the demands of automotive manufacturing. The ideal candidate possesses a solid understanding of automotive systems, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in CAD and simulation tools. This position requires a hands-on approach and collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D departments. We are looking for a passionate engineer committed to driving innovation and excellence in automotive component design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies for automotive applications using 3D CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, to ensure component integrity and performance under demanding conditions.
• Create comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) according to automotive standards (e.g., ISO, IATF).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including powertrain, chassis, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure design compatibility and manufacturability.
• Manage the prototyping process, conduct rigorous testing, and analyze results to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues during the product development cycle and in mass production.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant automotive industry regulations and safety standards.
• Support production teams by resolving engineering issues and optimizing manufacturing processes related to mechanical components.
• Document design changes, test results, and technical reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX) and experience with CAE tools for analysis (e.g., ANSYS, MSC Nastran).
• Strong understanding of automotive systems, materials science, thermodynamics, and mechanics of materials.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and quality standards (e.g., PPAP, APQP).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• This is an on-site position requiring full-time presence at our Soweto facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technology and product development.
• Stable employment within a reputable automotive supplier.
• Supportive work environment focused on quality and innovation.
• Contribution to key components in the automotive sector.