Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer - Powertrain Development

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Challenging and rewarding work

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a forward‑looking automotive manufacturer in Mahikeng, North West, to recruit a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer for the powertrain team. You will design, develop and test next‑generation internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains, contributing across the full product lifecycle.

The role requires strong thermodynamics, CFD/FEA, and CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks) expertise, with 7+ years in powertrain engineering and a passion for sustainable automotive

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain design and development.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mechanical design.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA/CFD simulations.
• Experience with hybrid powertrain architectures is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine and powertrain components to meet performance targets.
• Perform detailed mechanical design using CAD and conduct FEA/CFD simulations.
• Plan and execute experimental testing and validation of powertrain components.
• Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations for design improvements.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and project milestone documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking automotive manufacturer with a significant presence in **Mahikeng, North West**, is seeking a Senior Automotive Mechanical Engineer to join their advanced powertrain development team. This role is crucial for designing, developing, and testing next-generation internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains. You will be involved in all phases of the product development lifecycle, from concept generation and design to validation and production support. The ideal candidate will possess strong theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mechanical design, coupled with practical experience in powertrain engineering. This position offers an exciting opportunity to innovate and contribute to sustainable automotive solutions in **Mahikeng, North West**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine and powertrain components, ensuring performance, efficiency, and durability targets are met.
• Conduct detailed mechanical design using CAD software and perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and thermal simulations.
• Plan and execute experimental testing and validation of powertrain components and systems.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and provide technical recommendations for design improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project milestones.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during development and testing.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements in powertrain development.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance within the team.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with a specialization in automotive or powertrain engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain design and development.
• Proven experience in engine design, simulation (CFD, FEA), and experimental validation.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and CAE tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, combustion processes, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with hybrid powertrain architectures and energy storage systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and test automation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead innovation in powertrain technology at a key facility in **Mahikeng, North West**.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Contribution to the development of sustainable automotive technologies.