Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer

Placements24

Bloemfontein

On-site

ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000

Full time

24 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and bonuses

Comprehensive health, dental, and view

Generous retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Access to advanced simulation & test设施

Relocation assistance

Dynamic collaborative work environment

Job summary

Our client, a prestigious automotive manufacturer, seeks a Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer for its engineering center in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will lead design, development, and integration of chassis systems, leveraging vehicle dynamics, structural analysis, and material science to deliver handling, ride comfort, and safety.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate across functions, and drive validation testing while maintaining thorough design documentation.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering (Master's preferred).
Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in automotive chassis design and development.
Proficiency with CAD and FEA tools (CATIA/SolidWorks/ANSYS/ABAQUS).
Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, NVH, and chassis integration.
Experience with Kinematic & Compliance (K&C) analysis and simulation.
Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and weight considerations.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of automotive chassis systems, including suspension components, steering, and braking systems.
Perform detailed structural analysis (FEA) and kinematic/compliance analysis.
Ensure chassis designs meet performance targets for handling, ride, NVH, and durability.
Collaborate with vehicle integration, styling, and manufacturing teams for manufacturability.
Specify materials and manufacturing processes balancing performance, cost, and weight.
Develop and execute validation test plans with test engineers.
Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during testing and development.
Maintain comprehensive design documentation (3D CAD, 2D drawings, specs).
Mentor junior chassis engineers and provide technical leadership.
Stay current with automotive chassis technology trends.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious automotive manufacturer known for its dedication to engineering excellence and performance. We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Automotive Chassis Design Engineer to join our advanced engineering center in Bloemfontein, Free State . In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of sophisticated chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components, for our upcoming vehicle programs. You will leverage your expertise in vehicle dynamics, structural analysis, and material science to create chassis solutions that deliver superior handling, ride comfort, and safety. This is a prime opportunity to work on the cutting edge of automotive design and contribute to vehicles that define performance and driving pleasure. We are committed to attracting and retaining top engineering talent and offer a stimulating work environment with ample opportunities for professional development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in chassis engineering, coupled with a passion for automotive innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of automotive chassis systems, including suspension components (springs, dampers, linkages), steering systems, and braking systems.
Perform detailed structural analysis (FEA) and kinematic/compliance analysis to optimize performance and durability.
Ensure chassis designs meet all performance targets related to handling, ride comfort, NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), and durability.
Collaborate closely with vehicle integration, styling, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and manufacturability.
Specify materials and manufacturing processes for chassis components, balancing performance, cost, and weight requirements.
Develop and execute validation test plans, working with test engineers to conduct component and system-level testing.
Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues identified during testing and development phases.
Maintain comprehensive design documentation, including 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and technical specifications.
Mentor junior chassis engineers and provide technical leadership.
Stay current with automotive chassis technology trends and advancements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in automotive chassis design and development.
Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for complex 3D modeling and 2D detailing.
Extensive experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS) for structural and thermal analysis.
In-depth knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles and their application to chassis design.
Experience with Kinematic and Compliance (K&C) analysis and simulation.
Understanding of material science and manufacturing processes relevant to chassis components.
Familiarity with NVH analysis and mitigation strategies.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.

Benefits