Senior Automotive Body-in-White Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Team collaboration environment

Access to advanced design tools

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Senior Automotive BIW Engineer to lead BIW design, analysis, and manufacturing alignment for next-generation vehicle structures in Mahikeng, North West. You will drive CATIA modeling, FEA evaluation, and integration with stamping, welding, and bonding processes.

The role requires a minimum of seven years in BIW engineering, strong crashworthiness and NVH capabilities, and expertise in sheet metal forming.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in Automotive BIW engineering.
• Proven BIW design, structural analysis (FEA), and crashworthiness expertise.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6 for complex surfacing and assembly design.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal forming, welding (spot/MIG/TIG), and adhesive bonding.
• Experience with NVH analysis and mitigation related to vehicle structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of BIW structures including chassis frame, body panels, and closures.
• Use CATIA V5/V6 to model BIW components and assemblies in 3D.
• Perform FEA to evaluate stiffness, strength, crashworthiness, and NVH.
• Define BIW component requirements for structural performance and safety.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize for stamping, welding, and riveting.
• Specify materials and joining techniques for BIW structures.
• Troubleshoot BIW issues during prototype and production.
• Stay current with BIW tech, materials, and simulation methods.
• Develop and maintain design reports, analysis results, and manufacturing specs.
• Mentor junior BIW engineers and provide guidance.

Skills

BIW design

FEA analysis

CATIA V5/V6

NVH analysis

Manufacturing liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Automotive Engineering (preferred)

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic player in the automotive industry, is seeking a Senior Automotive Body-in-White (BIW) Engineer to join their innovative team in Mahikeng, North West . This critical role focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicle body structures, ensuring optimal structural integrity, safety, and lightweight performance. You will leverage your expertise in sheet metal forming, joining technologies, and structural analysis to contribute to the development of next-generation vehicle platforms. Working closely with design, manufacturing, and simulation teams, you will play a key role in achieving challenging performance targets. This is a hands-on position requiring a deep understanding of automotive body engineering principles and a passion for creating robust and efficient vehicle structures. Your contributions will be integral to the overall vehicle performance and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive Body-in-White (BIW) structures, including chassis frame, body panels, and closure systems.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6) for 3D modeling of BIW components and assemblies.
• Perform structural analysis using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) to evaluate stiffness, strength, crashworthiness, and NVH characteristics.
• Define requirements for BIW components related to structural performance, safety standards, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for assembly processes, including stamping, welding, and riveting.
• Specify materials (e.g., high-strength steels, aluminum alloys) and joining techniques for BIW structures.
• Troubleshoot BIW-related issues during prototype development and production phases.
• Stay current with advancements in BIW technology, materials, and simulation techniques.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including design reports, analysis results, and manufacturing specifications.
• Mentor junior BIW engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in Automotive Body-in-White engineering.
• Proven expertise in BIW design, structural analysis (FEA), and vehicle crashworthiness.
• Proficiency with CAD software, preferably CATIA V5/V6, for complex surfacing and assembly design.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal forming processes, welding technologies (spot welding, MIG/TIG), and adhesive bonding.
• Experience with NVH analysis and mitigation strategies related to vehicle structures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations related to vehicle safety and structures.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus potential.
• Opportunity to work on innovative vehicle platforms at a key automotive manufacturer in Mahikeng, North West .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and training programs.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Access to advanced design and simulation tools.
• Potential for career growth and leadership opportunities.