Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng. You will lead the design of BIW structures and chassis systems, perform FEA analyses, and drive manufacturing-friendly solutions to ensure performance and safety targets are met.

The role requires strong CAD skills (CATIA/SolidWorks), experience with materials selection, and deep knowledge of vehicle dynamics and crash safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in automotive body and chassis engineering.
• Proven experience in designing and analyzing vehicle body structures (BIW) and chassis systems.
• Expertise in using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran) for structural analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for design creation.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension design, and steering systems.
• Knowledge of automotive safety standards (e.g., crash testing requirements) and regulations.
• Experience with material selection and manufacturing processes for automotive applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience working in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of vehicle body structures (BIW) and chassis systems (suspension, steering, braking).
• Conduct structural analysis using FEA to meet stiffness, strength, durability, and crash targets.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with styling and aerodynamics teams to meet design requirements.
• Work with safety engineers to implement passive and active safety features.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to ensure DFM.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body and chassis components.
• Oversee prototype builds and validation testing, analyze results and modify designs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development and production.
• Stay updated on advancements in body/chassis tech and simulation techniques.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive manufacturing sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to join their dynamic engineering department in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is fundamental to the structural integrity, safety, and performance of our vehicles. You will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of vehicle body structures and chassis systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. This position demands a deep understanding of structural mechanics, material science, vehicle dynamics, and manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including styling, powertrain, safety, and manufacturing, to bring innovative and robust vehicle designs to fruition. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a proven track record in automotive body and chassis engineering, committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of vehicle body structures (BIW - Body in White) and chassis systems (suspension, steering, braking).
• Conduct structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure performance targets for stiffness, strength, durability, and crashworthiness are met.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with styling and aerodynamics teams to ensure designs meet aesthetic and performance requirements.
• Work with safety engineers to implement passive and active safety features within the body structure.
• Liaise with manufacturing engineering to ensure designs are optimized for production (DFM - Design for Manufacturability).
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body and chassis components.
• Oversee prototype builds and validation testing, analyzing results and implementing design modifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to body and chassis systems during development and production.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive body and chassis technology, materials, and simulation techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive body and chassis engineering.
• Proven experience in designing and analyzing vehicle body structures (BIW) and chassis systems.
• Expertise in using FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran) for structural analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for design creation.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension design, and steering systems.
• Knowledge of automotive safety standards (e.g., crash testing requirements) and regulations.
• Experience with material selection and manufacturing processes for automotive applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience working in cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and excellent opportunities for career advancement in a leading automotive company. You will be part of a collaborative engineering environment in Benoni , working on exciting projects that define the future of automotive design and performance.