Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical plans

Retirement plans

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer for its Port Elizabeth operations. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility, focusing on design, development, and validation of automotive components and systems.

The successful candidate will have strong CAD/CAE proficiency, experience in an R&D environment, and a track record delivering durable, safe automotive solutions within IATF 16949 frameworks. Hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of automotive mechanical design experience.
• Proficient in CATIA V5 and CAE tools (FEA/CFD).
• Knowledge of DFMEA and DVP&R processes.
• Hybrid work environment familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components using CAD software.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analyses with CAE tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product lifecycle.
• Define product requirements based on customer needs and standards.
• Conduct design reviews, prototype testing, validation activities.
• Support manufacturing in process development and issue resolution.
• Prepare technical documentation and present reviews to teams and customers.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 quality standards.
• Manage project tasks, timelines, deliverables.

Skills

Mechanical design

DFMEA

DVP&R

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking a talented Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their operations in Port Elizabeth . This role adopts a hybrid work model, offering a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. You will play a crucial role in the design, development, and validation of innovative automotive components and systems. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of automotive engineering principles, proficiency in CAD/CAE tools, and a proven track record in a demanding automotive R&D environment. You will be involved in projects ranging from conceptual design to production support, ensuring that components meet stringent performance, safety, and durability requirements. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the future of mobility with a respected industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks).
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analysis using CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) to ensure design integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, material scientists, and manufacturing engineers, throughout the product lifecycle.
• Define product requirements and specifications based on customer needs and industry standards.
• Conduct design reviews, prototype testing, and validation activities to verify performance and durability.
• Troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions during development and production.
• Manage project tasks, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring adherence to automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Support manufacturing engineers in process development and issue resolution.
• Prepare technical documentation and present design reviews to internal teams and customers.
• Stay abreast of automotive industry trends, new technologies, and competitor advancements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related automotive field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive mechanical design and development.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 or similar advanced CAD software.
• Strong experience with CAE tools for simulation and analysis (FEA, CFD).
• Solid understanding of automotive systems, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with DFMEA and DVP&R is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Performance incentives and potential bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Hybrid work flexibility to balance work and personal life.