Senior Automotive Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Travel opportunities

Tech development resources

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Senior Automotive Engineer to lead design, development, and testing of key vehicle systems, with a focus on performance, safety, and reliability.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with manufacturing for scalable production, and stay current with automotive innovations, enjoying a hybrid work model and strong growth opportunities. The role offers competitive compensation and access to cutting‑edge technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of automotive engineering experience with design/development focus.
• Proficient in CAD and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain, chassis, or electrical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of key automotive systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation; analyze results and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for mass production feasibility.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay updated on emerging automotive technologies and trends.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Mechanical engineering

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Automotive Engineer to drive innovation and excellence in their Cape Town -based operations. You will lead critical projects related to vehicle design, development, and testing, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and a passion for pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. You will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and designers, contributing to the future of the automotive industry and enjoying a role that offers significant impact and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of key automotive systems, components, or sub-systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of new designs, analyzing results and implementing improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are feasible for mass production.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across projects.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive technologies and industry trends to drive innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive engineering, with a focus on design and development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain, chassis, or electrical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and professional development resources.