Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Career growth

Generous leave

State-of-the-art tools

Creative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng, to lead exterior and interior body structures. You will use CATIA to create complex 3D models and drawings, perform FEA and crash simulations, and collaborate with aerodynamics and manufacturing teams to ensure safety and mass-producible designs.

You will mentor junior engineers, stay ahead with new body materials and trends, and contribute to the vehicle's overall performance and aesthetics in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of automotive body design and engineering experience.
• Expert proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 and FEA for crash and structural simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive body structures including chassis frame, BIW, and exterior panels.
• Utilize CATIA/V5/V6 to create 3D models and detailed drawings.
• Perform structural analysis and crash simulations to meet safety targets.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic and manufacturing teams for optimized, producible designs.
• Develop design documentation, BOMs, and reviews; mentor junior engineers.
• Stay current with automotive body materials and design trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Body Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is central to designing and developing the exterior and interior structures of vehicles, focusing on aesthetics, aerodynamics, safety, and manufacturing feasibility. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with advanced CAD tools and a deep understanding of automotive body engineering principles. You will lead design projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the creation of compelling and functional vehicle bodies. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on vehicle design and performance within a leading automotive company. We are based in the vibrant business district of Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive body structures, including chassis frame, body-in-white, and exterior panels.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) to create complex 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Perform structural analysis, including FEA, to ensure compliance with safety regulations (e.g., crashworthiness) and performance targets.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic engineers to optimize exterior design for efficiency and stability.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are cost-effective and feasible for mass production.
• Develop and manage design documentation, including specifications, BOMs, and design reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the overall technical development of the design team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automotive body materials, technologies, and design trends.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive body design and engineering.
• Expert proficiency in automotive CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6).
• Strong understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural and crash simulations.
• Knowledge of automotive materials, including steels, aluminum, and composites.
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes for body construction.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage design projects from concept to production.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust retirement planning options.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off benefits.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and simulation tools in Sandton .
• A dynamic and creative work environment.