Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer - Design & Development

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Learning opportunities and conferences

Access to R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer in East London to lead design and development of advanced automotive components. You will apply CATIA/SolidWorks to create complex parts and assemblies, perform FEA/CFD analyses, and drive designs through to production.

The role demands strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, powertrain and chassis design, plus collaboration with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work setting. Leadership and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive mechanical components and systems from concept to production.
• Use CAD software to model 3D parts and assemblies for detailed drawings.
• Perform engineering analysis using FEA/CFD to optimize performance, durability and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and manufacturing teams across the product lifecycle.
• Develop technical specifications, design documents and test plans for new components.
• Conduct testing and validation of prototypes and pre-production components.
• Analyze test data, identify issues and implement design modifications.
• Stay updated on automotive engineering advances and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide design guidance.
• Ensure designs comply with automotive standards and customer requirements.

Skills

CATIA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA

CFD

Multibody dynamics

Vehicle dynamics

Powertrain

Chassis design

Leadership

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic automotive research and development firm located in East London, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative design and development team. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, designing, and developing advanced automotive components and systems. You will leverage your expertise in mechanical engineering principles, CAD software, and simulation tools to drive the creation of next-generation automotive solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in vehicle dynamics, powertrain development, chassis design, or related mechanical engineering disciplines within the automotive sector. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking automotive technology in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, with the flexibility of a hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive mechanical components and systems, from concept to production.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for 3D modeling and drafting of complex automotive parts.
• Perform engineering analysis using simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) to optimize designs for performance, durability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop technical specifications, design documentation, and test plans for new components and systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of prototypes and pre-production components.
• Analyze test data, identify potential issues, and implement design modifications to resolve them.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive mechanical engineering, materials science, and manufacturing technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design projects.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant automotive standards, regulations, and customer requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical design and development.
• Expertise in using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Strong proficiency in engineering simulation and analysis tools (FEA, CFD, multibody dynamics).
• In-depth knowledge of automotive components, manufacturing processes, and materials.
• Experience with vehicle dynamics, powertrain, chassis, or body-in-white design is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration in a hybrid setting.
• A passion for automotive innovation and engineering excellence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and technologies.