Principal Mechanical Engineer - Automotive

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, invites applications for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of next-generation powertrain systems in our automotive technology division. This senior leadership role combines strategic direction with hands-on engineering excellence.

You will mentor a team of engineers, define technical roadmaps, oversee concepts to production, and collaborate with R&D, testing, manufacturing and project management, while staying at the forefront of industry

Qualifications

• PhD or Master in Mechanical Engineering with automotive/powertrain focus.
• 12+ years of progressive automotive design experience.
• Expertise in internal combustion engines, electric powertrains, or hybrids.
• Experience leading large engineering projects in automotive.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of powertrain components and systems.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategy for mechanical engineering within the automotive sector.
• Oversee design projects from concept to production with regulatory compliance.
• Perform advanced analyses (FEA/CFD) to optimize performance and durability.
• Mentor engineers and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Hybrid work

Education

Ph.D./Master in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

ANSYS

STAR-CCM+

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive technology provider, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their advanced research and development division in Pretoria, Gauteng. This senior leadership role will focus on the conceptualization and development of next-generation automotive powertrain systems. You will be at the forefront of driving mechanical design innovation, leading complex projects, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. This position requires a deep technical understanding, strategic thinking, and a passion for shaping the future of automotive engineering. You will play a critical role in translating cutting-edge concepts into tangible, high-performance mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced automotive powertrain components and systems, including engines, transmissions, and related sub-systems.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategy for mechanical engineering within the automotive sector, aligning with company goals.
• Oversee complex design projects from initial concept through to production, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to specifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including structural, thermal, and vibration simulations (FEA, CFD), to optimize design performance and durability.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, testing, manufacturing, and project management, to ensure successful product development.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Represent the mechanical engineering team in high-level technical discussions with stakeholders and senior management.
• Evaluate and implement new design tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance engineering efficiency and product quality.
• Author and present technical documentation, research findings, and design proposals.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities in automotive mechanical engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in automotive or powertrain systems.
• Over 12 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and analysis of internal combustion engines, electric powertrains, or hybrid systems.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX) and sophisticated FEA/CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS, STAR-CCM+).
• Strong understanding of material science, tribology, and manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components.
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects from concept to launch.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, effectively balancing on-site collaboration and remote work.
• Commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive technology.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits. You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking automotive technologies in Pretoria, Gauteng, with excellent career advancement prospects within a globally recognized organization.