Senior Automotive Engineer - Mechanical Design

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Automotive Engineer specializing in Mechanical Design to lead the design and development of automotive components from concept to production.

You will drive technical excellence, mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure designs meet performance, safety, and cost targets within a hybrid work model. This role offers opportunities to influence product strategy and drive innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in automotive mechanical design.
• Expertise in CAD software and advanced engineering simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and automotive standards.
• Proven ability to lead complex design projects from concept to launch.
• Strong communication and hybrid-work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components and systems using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including FEA and CFD, to validate designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for mass production.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and BOM.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the design team.
• Conduct design reviews and participate in project planning and execution to meet program timelines.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Engineer specializing in Mechanical Design to join their innovative product development team in Bloemfontein . This role involves leading the design and development of critical automotive components and systems, from concept through to production. You will play a key role in driving technical excellence, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, and ensuring designs meet stringent performance, safety, and cost targets. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of automotive engineering with a focus on cutting‑edge mechanical solutions in a hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components and systems using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for mass production.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the design team.
• Conduct design reviews and participate in project planning and execution to meet program timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience (7+ years) in automotive mechanical design , with a strong portfolio of successful projects.
• Expertise in CAD software and advanced engineering simulation tools (FEA/CFD).
• Deep understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and automotive industry standards.
• Proven ability to lead complex design projects from concept to launch.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with experience in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on advanced automotive technologies and innovative projects.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Professional development opportunities and support for further education.
• Collaborative and forward‑thinking engineering culture in Bloemfontein .