Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Powertrain

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Competitive medical aid and retirement

Training and development opportunities

Employee vehicle discount

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join a premier automotive powertrain development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will design, develop and validate powertrain components for both internal combustion engines and electric drivetrains, collaborating with a high-caliber team to deliver innovative solutions.

You should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with at least five years in automotive powertrain design, and be proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX, plus CAE

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design and development experience in automotive powertrain.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools (CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and combustion processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive powertrains (engine blocks, heads, transmissions, motor housings).
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling, surfacing, and drawings.
• Conduct stress, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools.
• Collaborate with calibration, controls, and integration teams to ensure system functionality.
• Oversee manufacturing/assembly of prototypes and components with manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and execute test plans for powertrain components and analyze results.
• Prepare technical documentation and BOM.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during development and testing.
• Ensure designs meet performance, cost, weight, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

CAD modeling

FEA

Thermodynamics

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer known for its performance vehicles, is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to join their powertrain development team based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This role is integral to the design, development, and validation of advanced internal combustion engine and electric vehicle powertrain components. You will work on cutting-edge technologies, collaborating with a highly skilled team to deliver innovative and efficient powertrain solutions. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a dynamic, hands-on engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for automotive powertrains, including engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmissions, and electric motor housings.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX) for 3D modeling, surfacing, and creating detailed engineering drawings.
• Conduct mechanical analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, using FEA tools to ensure component durability and performance.
• Collaborate with engine calibration, controls, and vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless system functionality.
• Oversee the manufacturing and assembly process of prototype and production components, working closely with manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for powertrain components and systems, analyze results, and recommend design modifications.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues encountered during development and testing phases.
• Ensure all designs meet performance, cost, weight, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development within the automotive industry, specifically focusing on powertrain systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX preferred) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science, and combustion processes.
• Experience with engine or electric vehicle powertrain components and systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR , depending on experience.
• Performance bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Employee discount on company vehicles.
• Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and engineering tools.
• Career growth opportunities within a leading automotive organization.