Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Vehicles

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer in Richards Bay to lead design, development, testing, and validation of mechanical systems for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

You will perform stress, vibration, and thermal analyses, oversee prototyping and testing, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with industry standards while driving cost-efficient design with CAD/FEA tools. This role demands strong collaboration across teams and deep vehicle knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive automotive mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with heavy-duty vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize mechanical components and systems for heavy-duty vehicles, including engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and chassis.
• Conduct engineering analysis, including stress, vibration, and thermal analysis, using FEA tools to ensure component integrity and performance.
• Oversee the prototyping, testing, and validation of new mechanical designs and modifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, product development, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product realization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues encountered during design, testing, or in-field applications.
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in heavy vehicle technology, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and design staff.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Contribute to cost reduction initiatives through efficient design and material selection.

Skills

Powertrain design

Chassis design

Suspension design

Braking systems

Analytical problem-solving

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer and service provider for heavy-duty vehicles, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their esteemed engineering department in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role will focus on the design, development, testing, and validation of mechanical systems for commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, and specialized transport equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of powertrain, chassis, suspension, and braking systems, with a proven track record in delivering robust and efficient engineering solutions. You will play a key role in product innovation and improvement, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the heavy vehicle industry. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled engineer to contribute significantly to the design and engineering of heavy vehicles in the thriving industrial hub of Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize mechanical components and systems for heavy-duty vehicles, including engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and chassis.
• Conduct engineering analysis, including stress, vibration, and thermal analysis, using FEA tools to ensure component integrity and performance.
• Oversee the prototyping, testing, and validation of new mechanical designs and modifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, product development, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product realization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues encountered during design, testing, or in-field applications.
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in heavy vehicle technology, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and design staff.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Contribute to cost reduction initiatives through efficient design and material selection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive mechanical engineering, with a significant focus on heavy-duty vehicles.
• Proven expertise in powertrain, chassis, suspension, and braking systems design for commercial vehicles.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and relevant industry standards (e.g., SAE).
• Experience with product development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work within a team environment.
• Knowledge of South African automotive regulations and standards is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the senior nature of this role and the expertise required. This includes a generous base salary, potential performance bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and innovative projects that shape the future of heavy vehicle engineering. Our client invests in employee development, offering access to specialized training, professional conferences, and opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized organization. The work environment in Richards Bay is dynamic and supportive, fostering collaboration and innovation. This role provides a significant platform to contribute to the heavy automotive industry in KwaZulu-Natal and grow your career.