Mechanical Project Engineer - Automotive Sector

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Professional development

On-site parking

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, seeks a Mechanical Project Engineer to manage end-to-end automotive projects on-site. You will oversee design, manufacturing, testing and delivery within time and budget constraints.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop plans, supervise design reviews, manage procurement and collaborate with suppliers and clients to ensure project success. This role demands strong engineering and project-management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in mechanical engineering project management, preferably automotive.
• Proven track record delivering projects from concept to launch.

Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical projects from initiation to completion within scope, budget and schedule.
• Develop detailed project plans with resource allocation and risk assessment.
• Lead design reviews ensuring performance, safety and quality standards.
• Oversee procurement and supplier relationships for materials and components.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to implement designs on site.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress and address challenges.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide regular status reports to stakeholders and senior management.
• Ensure project documentation is accurate and properly archived.
• Collaborate with QA teams to verify product conformance.

Skills

Project management

MS Project

Primavera

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and results-oriented Mechanical Project Engineer to manage and execute key projects within the automotive sector. This position is based in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**, and requires the engineer to be on-site to effectively manage project implementation and collaborate with manufacturing teams. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of mechanical engineering projects, from initial concept and design through to manufacturing, testing, and final delivery. The role demands a strong understanding of automotive engineering principles, project management best practices, and a proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and clients to ensure project success. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to the advancement of automotive technology within **South Africa**. Our client is committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical engineering projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule.
• Develop detailed project plans, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and milestone tracking.
• Lead design reviews and ensure that all mechanical designs meet performance, safety, and quality standards.
• Oversee the procurement of materials and components, managing supplier relationships.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure smooth implementation of designs.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to monitor project progress and address any on-site challenges.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for any project deviations.
• Prepare and present regular project status reports to stakeholders and senior management.
• Ensure all project documentation is accurate, complete, and properly archived.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to verify product conformance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering project management, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing engineering projects from concept to launch.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong understanding of automotive design principles, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**.
• Experience with CAD software is advantageous.

Benefits

• Annual salary between ZAR.
• Medical aid and provident fund.
• Paid annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies.
• A structured and supportive work environment.
• On-site parking and access to company facilities.
• Travel allowances for site visits as required.