Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Employer matching retirement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer to shape vehicle exteriors and body structures in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead CAD work, drive structural integrity, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver manufacturable, aesthetically pleasing designs.

You will use CATIA V5 or Siemens NX for 3D modeling, perform simulations, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with safety standards and weight reduction goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive body design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly CATIA V5 or Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding of automotive body structures, materials (steel, aluminum, composites), and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automotive safety standards (e.g., crashworthiness) and regulations.
• Experience with simulation tools for structural analysis and/or CFD is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to manage projects and meet demanding timelines.
• A keen eye for automotive design aesthetics and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive body components, including exterior panels, closures, and underlying structures.
• Utilize CAD software (CATIA V5/Siemens NX) to create 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Collaborate with styling, aerodynamics, safety, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Perform and interpret simulations (FEA/CFD) to optimize designs.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, safety standards, and performance targets.
• Develop manufacturability, assembly, and cost-effectiveness solutions.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and vehicle assembly activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical development.
• Stay abreast of new materials, processes, and design technologies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the automotive sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer to join their design and engineering hub in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**. This role is central to the conceptualization, design, and development of vehicle body structures and exteriors. You will work on translating design intent into manufacturable and aesthetically pleasing forms, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and lightweighting goals are met. This is a key position for an engineer passionate about automotive aesthetics and structural performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive body components, including exterior panels, closures, and underlying structures.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Collaborate closely with styling, aerodynamics, safety, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Perform and interpret simulation results (e.g., FEA for structural integrity, CFD for aerodynamics) to optimize designs.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant regulatory requirements, safety standards, and performance targets.
• Develop solutions for manufacturability, assembly, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support prototype builds, component testing, and vehicle assembly activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.
• Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and design technologies in the automotive industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive body design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly CATIA V5 or Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding of automotive body structures, materials (steel, aluminum, composites), and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automotive safety standards (e.g., crashworthiness) and regulations.
• Experience with simulation tools for structural analysis and/or CFD is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to manage projects and meet demanding timelines.
• A keen eye for automotive design aesthetics and functionality.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement.
• Exposure to innovative vehicle design and development projects.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Employee recognition programs.