Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Career development opportunities

On-site in Benoni

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for their Benoni R&D center to lead the design and development of advanced automotive systems. You will guide a team, perform high-level analyses, and ensure designs meet stringent safety and regulatory standards.

The role demands deep technical expertise, leadership, and a track record in driving innovation in automotive components or systems, with on-site collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and program management in a

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on automotive components or systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing complex mechanical systems, including mechanisms, powertrain components, or chassis systems.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks) and advanced CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, STAR-CCM+).
• Strong understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in a demanding, fast-paced automotive R&D environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Benoni.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of mechanical systems and components for automotive applications, ensuring high performance and reliability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering innovation and skill development.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using sophisticated simulation tools.
• Oversee the prototyping, testing, and validation processes, ensuring designs meet all functional and performance specifications.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, validation, and program management.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, BOMs, and technical reports.
• Identify and champion new design methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance engineering capabilities.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex design issues and provide innovative solutions.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmapping for future product development.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Automotive systems

Project coordination

3D CAD

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

STAR-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive component manufacturing, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their advanced R&D center in Benoni . This senior role will involve leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems and components for next-generation automotive applications. You will be responsible for driving innovation, setting technical direction, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will play a critical part in conceptualizing, prototyping, testing, and validating new designs to meet stringent automotive performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. This position requires deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership qualities, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of mechanical systems and components for automotive applications, ensuring high performance and reliability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering innovation and skill development.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using sophisticated simulation tools.
• Oversee the prototyping, testing, and validation processes, ensuring designs meet all functional and performance specifications.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, validation, and program management.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, BOMs, and technical reports.
• Identify and champion new design methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance engineering capabilities.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex design issues and provide innovative solutions.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmapping for future product development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on automotive components or systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing complex mechanical systems, including mechanisms, powertrain components, or chassis systems.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks) and advanced CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, STAR-CCM+).
• Strong understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in a demanding, fast-paced automotive R&D environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Benoni .

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, performance-based bonuses, and extensive opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Employees will work on cutting-edge projects shaping the future of automotive technology in Benoni . The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We provide a stimulating work environment with access to the latest tools and technologies, and a strong commitment to employee development and work-life balance. This is a full-time, on-site position.