Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer for a hybrid role in East London, Eastern Cape. You will design BIW structures and chassis components, perform FEA and durability assessments, and run vehicle dynamics simulations to improve ride, handling, and safety.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive body/chassis engineering, strong CAD/FEA skills (CATIA/SolidWorks, Abaqus/ANSYS), and a collaboration-focused mindset to work with internal teams, OEMs, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive body and/or chassis engineering.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, BIW structures, suspension, steering and braking.
• Proficiency in CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks) and FEA tools (Abaqus/ANSYS).
• Experience with material selection, joining techniques and APQP processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop BIW structures and chassis components including suspension, steering and braking systems.
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and durability assessments.
• Run vehicle dynamics simulations to optimize ride and handling.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for weight reduction and cost control.
• Collaborate with OEMs and suppliers to define requirements and integration strategies.
• Develop validation plans including testing and simulation for BIW and chassis.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical solutions across development lifecycles.
• Manage supplier relationships for component development and sourcing.
• Stay updated on automotive trends, EV developments and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge across the team.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

BIW structures

Suspension systems

Steering/braking

CAD software

FEA tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Abaqus

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to join their innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site presence for collaboration and development, with the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in the design, development, and integration of vehicle body structures and chassis systems, focusing on performance, safety, durability, and weight optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics, structural integrity, suspension systems, steering, and braking. You will work closely with internal teams, OEMs, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry, including advancements in electric vehicles. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring our clients' vehicles offer superior handling, safety, and driving experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle body-in-white (BIW) structures and chassis components (e.g., suspension, steering, braking systems).
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and durability assessments for body and chassis components.
• Conduct vehicle dynamics simulations and analysis to optimize ride, handling, and stability.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body and chassis components, focusing on lightweighting and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with OEMs and other engineering teams to define system requirements and integration strategies.
• Develop and execute validation plans for body and chassis systems, including physical testing and simulation.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical solutions throughout the development lifecycle.
• Manage supplier relationships for component development and sourcing.
• Stay current with automotive industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements related to body and chassis systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive body and/or chassis engineering.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, steering, braking, and BIW structures.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS).
• Experience with simulation tools for vehicle dynamics and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive materials and joining techniques (welding, bonding, riveting).
• Familiarity with automotive development processes (e.g., APQP) and quality standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with electric vehicle chassis and body requirements is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. The hybrid work model provides flexibility and supports a healthy work-life balance. You will have the chance to work on innovative automotive projects, utilize state-of-the-art engineering tools, and collaborate with a talented and dedicated team. Join a company committed to engineering excellence and shaping the future of mobility. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer to advance their career in the automotive sector.