Senior Automotive Chassis Dynamics Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Employee vehicle purchase programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Chassis Dynamics Engineer in Port Elizabeth to lead chassis development, simulations, and on-road validation. You will design, test, and refine suspension, steering, and braking systems to meet strict performance targets, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires hands-on vehicle testing, data analysis, and mentoring junior engineers, with EV chassis dynamics experience a plus.

Qualifications

• Must have 7+ years in automotive chassis dynamics development.
• Proven expertise in suspension design, kinematics, and steering/braking performance.
• Hands-on with vehicle instrumentation, data acquisition, and test data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize suspension, steering, and braking systems for new vehicle programs.
• Perform vehicle dynamics simulations using industry-standard software (Adams, CarSim, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Plan, execute, and analyze real-world vehicle testing on proving grounds and public roads.
• Define chassis performance targets based on market analysis and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure design integrity and performance specs.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the team.

Skills

Suspension design

Kinematics & Compliance

Steering systems

Braking performance

Vehicle dynamics

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Adams

CarSim

MATLAB/Simulink

Multi-body dynamics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive OEM with a significant presence in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Chassis Dynamics Engineer. This role is integral to developing and refining vehicle handling, ride comfort, and stability characteristics. You will be responsible for designing, simulating, testing, and validating chassis systems, including suspension, steering, and braking components, to meet stringent performance targets. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity to contribute to the development of exciting new vehicle models. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics principles, advanced simulation techniques, and hands‑on vehicle testing experience. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including vehicle integration, powertrain, and safety engineers, to deliver exceptional driving experiences. We are seeking an innovative problem‑solver with a passion for automotive engineering and a commitment to achieving best‑in‑class performance. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and a data‑driven approach to engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize suspension, steering, and braking systems for new vehicle programs.
• Perform vehicle dynamics simulations using industry‑standard software (e.g., Adams, CarSim, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Plan, execute, and analyze real‑world vehicle testing on proving grounds and public roads.
• Define chassis performance targets and requirements based on market analysis and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with component suppliers to ensure design integrity and performance specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to vehicle handling, ride quality, and stability.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of design, analysis, and test results.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the chassis engineering team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chassis technology, simulation tools, and testing methodologies.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive chassis dynamics development.
• Proven expertise in suspension design, kinematics, compliance (K&C), steering systems, and braking performance.
• Proficiency with vehicle dynamics simulation software and multi‑body dynamics analysis tools.
• Hands‑on experience with vehicle instrumentation, data acquisition, and test data analysis.
• Strong understanding of vehicle handling attributes and ride comfort metrics.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and analytical capabilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, crucial for collaboration within the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA facility.
• Experience with electric vehicle (EV) chassis dynamics is a significant advantage.
• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are mandatory.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work on exciting new vehicle development projects.
• Be part of a leading automotive manufacturer's innovation hub in Port Elizabeth .
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plan, and other benefits.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Employee vehicle purchase programs and discounts.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment focused on automotive excellence.