Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical design activities for automotive components in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will translate customer requirements into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings, and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in automotive design, strong CAD/FEA skills, and a solid grasp of materials, manufacturing processes, and GD&T.

Qualifications

• Bachelor0or Mastera0in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design for automotive.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software and FEA tools.
• Solid understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of automotive components and systems from concept through to production.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using CATIA, SolidWorks, Creo, or Siemens NX.
• Perform stress and thermal analyses to validate designs against requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize designs for production and cost.
• Work with R&D to explore new materials and design concepts.
• Ensure designs meet automotive standards and customer specs.
• Prepare design reports and documentation for reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design process improvements.

Skills

CAD software

FEA

GD&T

Material science

Manufacturing processes

Automotive standards

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelora0or Mastera0in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Creo

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in automotive component design and manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer to join their esteemed engineering department in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is integral to the conceptualization, design, and development of complex mechanical systems and components for automotive applications. You will be responsible for translating customer requirements and technical specifications into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a thorough understanding of automotive industry standards and practices. You will collaborate with cross–functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to bring innovative automotive solutions to life. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to high–profile projects within the dynamic automotive sector in Mossel Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of automotive components and systems from concept through to production.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using industry-standard software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Creo).
• Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and other simulations to validate designs and ensure performance requirements are met.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production processes and cost‑effectiveness.
• Work closely with the R&D team to explore new materials, technologies, and design concepts.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant automotive industry standards, regulations, and customer specifications.
• Prepare technical documentation, design reports, and presentations for internal reviews and client meetings.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance throughout the design process.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in advanced 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo).
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for structural and thermal simulations.
• Solid understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining), and GD&T.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and trends.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working in cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. This hybrid role offers flexibility in work arrangements, combining on‑site collaboration in Mossel Bay, Western Cape with remote work. You will be part of a dynamic and innovative engineering team working on challenging and rewarding projects within the automotive sector.