Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Company vehicle program

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer to lead concept-to-production of new automotive components. The role requires translating market needs into robust designs, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and testing teams.

You will drive specifications, CAD models, and prototypes, manage timelines and budgets, ensure compliance with ISO/TS standards, and guide the product through validation and ramp-up in a forward‑looking R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering required.
• Minimum 7 years of automotive product development experience.
• Proven track record of delivering concept-to-production programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of new automotive products.
• Create engineering specs, CAD models, and drawings.
• Oversee prototype testing and validation.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, manufacturing, QA, and purchasing.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Prepare technical documentation for reviews.
• Stay updated on new automotive technologies.
• Support production ramp-up with technical guidance.
• Apply FMEA, APQP/PPAP as needed.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

BEng/BSc in Mechanical or Automotive Eng

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering automotive manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Product Development Engineer to join their advanced R&D team in Polokwane. This role involves leading the development of new automotive components and systems from concept through to production, ensuring they meet stringent performance, quality, and cost targets. You will be responsible for translating market requirements and customer needs into tangible product designs and specifications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, excellent project management skills, and a deep understanding of the automotive product lifecycle. You will work collaboratively with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to bring innovative automotive solutions to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new automotive products and components.
• Create detailed engineering specifications, CAD models, and drawings for components and systems.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation activities to ensure product performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and purchasing, throughout the product development process.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and root cause analyses for product development challenges.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure timely and cost-effective product launches.
• Ensure products meet all relevant industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project reviews and management.
• Stay informed about new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams during the production ramp-up phase.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive product development or a related engineering role.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing automotive products from concept to production.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and automotive systems.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience managing complex engineering projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO/TS 16949).
• Experience with FMEA, APQP, and PPAP methodologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on innovative automotive technologies in Polokwane .
• Engage with a forward-thinking R&D environment and cutting-edge tools.
• Extensive professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative culture that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Be part of shaping the future of the automotive industry.
• Access to company vehicle programs.