Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer - Chassis Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension

Job summary

Placements24, Durban-based automotive manufacturer, seeks a Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer focused on chassis systems to design, develop, and validate high-performance chassis components.

You will lead CAD modeling in CATIA/SolidWorks, perform FEA with ANSYS/Abaqus, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure durability, safety, and manufacturability of next-generation vehicles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in automotive mechanical design with chassis focus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive chassis, including suspension, steering, braking, and structural elements.
• Utilize CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks) for 3D modeling, drafting, and assemblies.
• Perform FEA to assess structural integrity, fatigue life, and performance under loads.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility and optimize performance.

Skills

Mechanical design

Vehicle dynamics

Chassis systems

CAD modeling

Education

Bachelor's/Master in Mechanical Eng

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized automotive manufacturer, is seeking a seasoned Senior Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in chassis systems to join their innovative team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical in designing, developing, and validating state-of-the-art chassis components and systems, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in mechanical design, CAD software, FEA analysis, and a deep understanding of automotive dynamics and materials. This on-site position is perfect for an engineer passionate about vehicle dynamics and mechanical innovation, contributing to the development of next-generation vehicles in a collaborative studio environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive chassis, including suspension, steering, braking, and structural elements. Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly creation. Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess structural integrity, fatigue life, and performance under various loads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including vehicle integration, NVH, testing, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure design feasibility and optimize performance. Define and validate design requirements and specifications based on vehicle targets and regulatory standards. Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) and engineering drawings. Support prototype development, testing, and validation activities. Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues throughout the product development cycle. Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and design technologies in the automotive industry.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive mechanical design, with a specialization in chassis systems. Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks, or similar. Strong experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus). In-depth knowledge of automotive suspension, steering, and braking systems. Understanding of vehicle dynamics, kinematics, and material science. Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) principles. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in a collaborative engineering environment. Experience working in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension, and opportunities for professional growth. You will be part of a world-class engineering team working on exciting new vehicle platforms. This role is based at our advanced facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , providing a stimulating and professional work environment. We believe in investing in our employees' careers and offer excellent training and development programs. Join a company committed to engineering excellence and driving automotive innovation.