Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Career development

Advanced testing facilities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer to lead chassis development for passenger vehicles and light commercial trucks. You will use your CAD/FEA expertise to deliver safe, high-performance designs while coordinating with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work setting.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of automotive chassis experience, strong vehicle dynamics knowledge, and experience with lightweight materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• 6+ years of automotive chassis design experience.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 or SolidWorks and FEA tools.
• Strong vehicle dynamics knowledge.
• Experience with lightweight materials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design chassis components and systems including suspension, steering, braking, and structural elements.
• Perform FEA to assess durability and performance under various loads.
• Run vehicle dynamics simulations to optimize handling, ride comfort, and stability.
• Develop validation test plans for chassis components and systems, in simulation and testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Suspension geometry

Steering systems

Braking technology

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned designer and manufacturer of advanced automotive platforms, is seeking a Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer to join their innovative R&D team in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA. This role is critical in the conceptualization, design, and development of sophisticated chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components, for passenger vehicles and light commercial trucks. You will leverage your expertise in mechanical design, simulation, and vehicle dynamics to deliver safe, high-performance, and reliable chassis solutions. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to conduct detailed design work and analysis remotely, complemented by on-site collaboration for prototyping, testing, and integration with vehicle assembly. We are looking for a results-oriented engineer passionate about vehicle dynamics and structural integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive chassis components and systems, including suspension, steering, braking, and structural elements.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for detailed 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess structural integrity, durability, and performance under various load conditions.
• Conduct vehicle dynamics simulations to optimize handling, ride comfort, and stability.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for chassis components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including styling, powertrain, and manufacturing, to ensure system integration.
• Develop and execute validation test plans for chassis components and systems, both in simulation and physical testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues encountered during development and production.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in chassis technology, materials, and manufacturing techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in automotive chassis design and development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks) and CAE tools for FEA (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics principles, suspension geometry, steering systems, and braking technology.
• Experience with material selection and manufacturing processes relevant to chassis components.
• Knowledge of automotive development processes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work effectively in the Benoni, Gauteng, ZA area and manage tasks remotely.
• Experience with lightweight materials and advanced suspension technologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Work on exciting new vehicle platforms and technologies.
• Collaborative and innovative engineering culture.
• Access to advanced design and testing facilities.
• Contribute to the performance and safety of future vehicles.