Mechanical Engineer - Automotive OEM

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Cutting-edge tech

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly capable Mechanical Engineer for their Randburg product development team. You will design, analyze, and validate vehicle components, translating market needs into robust mechanical solutions using CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX.

You will collaborate across styling, CAE, manufacturing, and testing, lead design releases, and contribute to next-generation mobility technologies. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 6+ years of automotive design experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 6+ years of mechanical design experience in the automotive industry.
• Expertise in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX.
• Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and development processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and sub-systems for automotive applications, ensuring performance, durability, and manufacturability targets.
• Utilize CAD software (CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX) for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and assembling.
• Perform FEA, stress, and thermal analyses to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with styling, CAE, manufacturing, and testing departments for integrated product development.
• Define technical requirements, specifications, and testing procedures for mechanical components.
• Manage the design release process and adherence to project timelines.
• Support vehicle integration activities and resolve issues during prototype builds and testing.
• Investigate field issues and implement design modifications to improve quality and reliability.
• Stay current with automotive industry trends and best practices.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and design reviews to stakeholders.

Skills

Automotive engineering

CAD design

Finite Element Analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive sector, is looking for a highly competent Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative product development team based in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is central to the design, development, and validation of critical vehicle components and systems. You will be involved in translating market requirements and technical specifications into robust mechanical solutions, utilizing advanced design tools and methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of automotive engineering principles, a proven ability in mechanical design and analysis, and a passion for automotive innovation. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on next-generation vehicle technologies and contribute to shaping the future of mobility. You will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and specialists in a demanding yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-systems for automotive applications, ensuring performance, durability, and manufacturability targets are met.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX) for 3D modeling, creating detailed drawings, and managing complex assemblies.
• Perform engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), stress analysis, and thermal analysis, to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including styling, CAE, manufacturing, and testing departments, to ensure integrated and successful product development.
• Define technical requirements, specifications, and testing procedures for mechanical components.
• Manage the design release process and ensure adherence to project timelines and milestones.
• Support vehicle integration activities and resolve mechanical issues identified during prototype builds and testing phases.
• Investigate field issues and implement design modifications to improve product quality and reliability.
• Stay current with automotive industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and design reviews to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• Expertise in automotive-grade CAD software such as CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX.
• Proven experience with CAE tools for FEA, such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, material science, and manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and development processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in global teams.
• Ability to manage complex projects and deliver results under pressure.
• Experience with vehicle testing and validation is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture.