Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development and testing of advanced vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis and suspension components.

The role requires 7+ years of automotive design experience, expertise with CAD/FEA tools, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams from concept to production while ensuring quality, safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive mechanical design and development experience.
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of powertrains, chassis, suspension and braking systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven project management and team leadership experience.
• Effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate mechanical components and systems for new vehicle platforms.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analysis using FEA software.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams for seamless integration.
• Develop and maintain design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers, fostering technical excellence.
• Stay updated on automotive technologies and propose innovative solutions.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables to ensure on-time, within-budget completion.

Skills

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Vehicle dynamics

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the automotive sector, is searching for a highly experienced and motivated Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role involves contributing to the design, development, and testing of advanced automotive systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles applied to vehicle dynamics, powertrain, and chassis systems. You will be instrumental in driving projects from concept to production, ensuring adherence to the highest quality standards and industry best practices. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate complex mechanical components and systems for new vehicle platforms.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration analysis, using FEA software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and testing, to ensure seamless product integration.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Stay abreast of the latest automotive technologies and trends, proposing innovative solutions.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables effectively, ensuring on-time and within-budget completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical design and development.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of automotive systems, including powertrains, chassis, suspension, and braking systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a generous annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance coverage. Employees will benefit from opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including access to advanced training programs and conferences. A dynamic and collaborative work environment awaits, along with retirement savings contributions and paid time off. Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates relocating to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .