Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Modern facilities

Generous leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Pietermaritzburg to lead advanced automotive components and systems from concept through validation.

You will use SolidWorks and CATIA to create robust 3D models, perform comprehensive stress analyses, and collaborate with manufacturing for scalable production while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years in mechanical design with strong automotive focus.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software and CAE tools; able to perform stress/thermal/vibration analyses.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test automotive mechanical components and systems.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks/CATIA.
• Conduct stress, thermal, and vibration analyses to ensure reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to enable mass production and cost optimization.
• Develop and maintain design documentation and test reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and share design best practices.
• Stay updated on automotive engineering trends.

Skills

Mechanical design

Engineering analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the automotive manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects, driving innovation and excellence in mechanical design. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in theoretical mechanical engineering principles and practical application in a fast‑paced industrial environment. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including manufacturing, R&D, and product development, to bring innovative automotive components and systems to life. This role offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for a motivated professional looking to make a significant impact. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. Your expertise will be crucial in developing next‑generation automotive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test mechanical components and systems for automotive applications, adhering to stringent quality and performance standards.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and assemblies.
• Conduct thorough stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration testing to ensure design integrity and reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are feasible for mass production, optimizing for cost and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design best practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry trends in mechanical engineering and automotive design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• Proven proficiency in 3D CAD software and CAE tools for simulation and analysis.
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and kinematics.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, and machining.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art design and testing facilities.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking company shaping the future of automotive technology.