Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Powertrain Systems

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

On-site role

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks a Mechanical Engineer specializing in powertrain systems to design, analyze, and validate engines and transmissions using CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks) and FEA. The role focuses on performance, durability, and emissions.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams, develop testing plans, generate BOMs, and deliver design reviews while ensuring safety and cost targets. A 5+ year background and strong thermo-mechanics knowledge are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development with focus on automotive powertrains.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA/SolidWorks) and advanced FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of engines, transmissions and driveline systems.
• Knowledge of materials, heat transfer and fluid dynamics as applied to powertrains.
• Experience with NVH analysis/testing is desirable.
• Familiarity with APQP/PPAP processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and subsystems for powertrains using CAD.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration and fatigue analysis with FEA and simulations.
• Create manufacturing drawings, specifications and BOMs for powertrain parts.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and quality teams throughout development.
• Develop and execute testing plans for prototype and production components.
• Ensure designs meet performance, durability and emissions requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers to meet specs and costs.
• Troubleshoot issues during development, testing and production.
• Prepare design reviews and technical documentation.

Skills

CAD design

FEA analysis

Powertrain design

NVH analysis

Thermodynamics

Materials science

Project collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a key supplier to the automotive industry, is seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to focus on Powertrain Systems at their facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This is a full-time, on-site role integral to the design, development, and validation of engine and transmission components. You will be responsible for ensuring the performance, durability, and efficiency of these critical automotive systems. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, and automotive engineering principles, coupled with practical design and analysis experience. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including powertrain specialists, electrical engineers, and manufacturing professionals, to deliver cutting-edge powertrain solutions. We are looking for an engineer passionate about automotive technology and committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-systems for automotive powertrains (engines, transmissions, drivelines) using CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using FEA and other simulation tools.
• Create precise manufacturing drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for powertrain components.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute rigorous testing plans for prototype and production powertrain components, analyzing results and implementing design improvements.
• Ensure designs meet stringent automotive performance, durability, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), and emissions requirements.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure components are produced to specification and cost targets.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues encountered during development, testing, and production.
• Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and materials in automotive powertrain engineering.
• Prepare technical documentation and present design reviews to management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and development, with a significant focus on automotive powertrains.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and advanced FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines, transmissions, driveline systems, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of materials science, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to powertrains.
• Experience with NVH analysis and testing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with automotive development processes (e.g., APQP, PPAP).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple project tasks.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and performance in automotive design.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to work on advanced automotive powertrain technologies.
• Full-time, stable, on-site position with a reputable company.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Collaborative and dynamic engineering environment.