Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Collaborative environment

Generous PTO

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to drive the design, development, and testing of advanced automotive components and systems. You will lead from concept through production, applying your expertise to deliver reliable, high‑performance solutions.

The role demands a strong background in CAD/CAE (CATIA/SolidWorks, ANSYS/ABAQUS), knowledge of vehicle dynamics and powertrain concepts, and a track record of mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical engineering.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, chassis design, and materials science.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex automotive mechanical systems and components, from concept to production.
• Conduct rigorous analysis and simulations (e.g., FEA, CFD) to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Oversee and contribute to the testing and validation of prototypes and production parts.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, and reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to support their professional growth.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during the development and manufacturing processes.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in automotive engineering.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Powertrain systems

Chassis design

Materials science

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the automotive industry, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is pivotal in driving the design, development, and testing of advanced automotive components and systems. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise to contribute to groundbreaking projects, ensuring the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization that values engineering excellence and continuous improvement. The position offers a challenging yet rewarding environment where you can shape the future of automotive technology. We are looking for a motivated professional who is passionate about automotive engineering and committed to achieving exceptional results. The role requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with a focus on problem-solving and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex automotive mechanical systems and components, from concept to production.
• Conduct rigorous analysis and simulations (e.g., FEA, CFD) to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Oversee and contribute to the testing and validation of prototypes and production parts.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, and reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to support their professional growth.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during the development and manufacturing processes.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in automotive engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical engineering.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, chassis design, and materials science.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities and experience in leading technical initiatives.
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes and quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949).

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the‑art engineering facilities and technologies.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that fosters innovation.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.