Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, SA, seeks a Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer to lead the conception, design, and launch of new automotive products. The role requires extensive lifecycle experience, cross-functional leadership, and strong project management to meet quality and regulatory standards.

The position offers a hybrid work model and an opportunity to influence the automotive portfolio in a growing market within South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in automotive product development.
• Proven track record of launching automotive products.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Strong leadership, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and regulations.
• Experience with simulation tools and data analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for automotive components and systems.
• Translate market needs into technical specifications.
• Manage projects from concept to launch, including timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation.
• Ensure compliance with performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Present project status reports and technical documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement of development processes.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Automotive standards

Simulation tools

Data analysis

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Automotive Engineering

Tools

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer to join their innovative team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is central to the conception, design, and launch of new automotive products and features. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the automotive product development lifecycle, from initial concept generation through to market release. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure that products meet stringent quality, performance, and regulatory standards. Working in Kimberley provides a unique context for contributing to the automotive industry's evolution in South Africa. We are looking for a driven individual with strong technical acumen, excellent project management skills, and a passion for automotive innovation. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing departments to bring successful products to market. This position offers a stimulating environment for an engineer eager to make a significant impact on the company's product portfolio. The role incorporates a hybrid work model, offering flexibility and efficient collaboration. Your leadership in product development will be key to our client's continued success and market leadership. The focus is on delivering high-quality, innovative automotive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for new automotive components and systems.
• Translate market requirements and customer needs into technical specifications.
• Manage product development projects from concept to launch, including timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation activities.
• Ensure products meet all relevant performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct design reviews and technical assessments throughout the development cycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during product development.
• Prepare and present project status reports and technical documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product development processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Proven track record of successfully launching automotive products.
• Strong understanding of the entire product development lifecycle and associated methodologies.
• Experience with project management tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with simulation tools and data analysis is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Employees receive generous annual leave and have access to ongoing professional development programs, including training and workshops.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility and is based in Kimberley, offering a chance to thrive in a developing industrial hub.
• You'll join a collaborative and innovative environment focused on automotive advancement.
• Additional benefits include employee wellness programs and opportunities for career progression within the organization.
• This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced engineer to lead impactful product development initiatives.