Principal Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Powertrain

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Bonus structure

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement match

Paid time off

Holidays

Professional development

Global exposure

R&D facilities

Career advancement

Company car

Travel allowances

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead its Powertrain Development in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will guide ICE, EV, and Hybrid powertrain design, testing, and validation, shaping future mobility with a global automotive leader.

You will mentor engineers, drive complex multi-disciplinary projects, and ensure compliance with emissions standards while advancing innovative and efficient propulsion systems. A hybrid work setup is offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related automotive engineering field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain design and development with leadership experience.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering projects from concept to production.
• Expertise in ICE, EV, hybrid powertrains and power electronics.
• Strong simulation/analysis tool knowledge: GT-Power, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of powertrain systems (ICE, EV, Hybrid).
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to powertrain teams.
• Oversee simulations and analyses (FEA, CFD, system modeling).
• Define specifications, performance targets, and validation strategies.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration, electrical, and software teams; manage suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Powertrain expertise

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Masters or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GT-Power

ANSYS

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned automotive manufacturer known for its performance and innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead their Powertrain Development division in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of internal combustion engines, electric vehicle powertrains, and hybrid technologies. You will be instrumental in guiding the design, development, testing, and validation of cutting-edge powertrain systems that define the future of mobility. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, a proven track record of leading complex engineering projects, and the ability to mentor and inspire a team of talented engineers. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the technological direction of a global automotive leader and to contribute to the creation of sustainable and high-performance vehicles. We are looking for an individual who thrives on technical challenges and is committed to driving innovation in the automotive industry. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of efficiency, performance, and environmental responsibility. This role involves a strategic blend of technical leadership and hands-on engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design, development, and integration of automotive powertrain systems (ICE, EV, Hybrid).
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to mechanical engineering teams involved in powertrain development.
• Oversee complex simulations and analyses, including FEA, CFD, and system-level performance modeling.
• Define powertrain specifications, performance targets, and validation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including vehicle integration, electrical engineering, and software development.
• Manage external suppliers and technology partners for powertrain components and systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance powertrain efficiency, performance, and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with global emissions regulations and automotive industry standards.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in automotive powertrains and electric mobility.
• Represent the powertrain engineering team in technical reviews and strategic planning meetings.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related automotive engineering field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain design and development, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in internal combustion engine technology, electric motors, battery systems, and power electronics.
• Proven experience in leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects from concept to production.
• Advanced knowledge of simulation and analysis tools (e.g., GT-Power, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, thermal management, and material science.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with hybrid and electric vehicle technologies is essential.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, balancing remote tasks with on-site collaboration in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Significant paid time off and company holidays.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional development and global exposure.
• Access to state-of-the‑art automotive research and development facilities.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment at the forefront of automotive innovation.
• Unparalleled career advancement opportunities within a leading global organization.
• Company car program and travel allowances.
• Employee wellness programs and support services.