Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Profit sharing potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng to lead automotive component design from concept to production. You will drive CAD design, CAE analysis, and integration with manufacturing to ensure robust, manufacturable solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in automotive design, strong CATIA/SolidWorks/NX skills, and a solid understanding of ISO/SAE standards. Excellent collaboration and mentoring abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Masters preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of automotive mechanical design experience.
• Experience with DFSS is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components and sub-systems using CAD.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analyses with CAE tools.
• Create manufacturing drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize for mass production.
• Test and validate designs to ISO/SAE standards.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues during development and production.
• Stay updated on automotive technologies, materials, and processes.
• Mentor junior design engineers.
• Manage design projects from concept to production.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

CAE/FEA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive component manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to their innovative product development efforts in Sandton, Gauteng . This role involves the design, development, and validation of complex mechanical components and systems for automotive applications. You will be responsible for ensuring designs meet rigorous performance, safety, and durability standards, working closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of automotive engineering principles, advanced CAD skills, and a proven track record in automotive component design. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of automotive technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components and sub-systems, utilizing advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using CAE tools.
• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for mass production and assembly efficiency.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of designs, ensuring compliance with automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO, SAE).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues during the development and production phases.
• Stay updated on the latest automotive technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Mentor junior design engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Manage design projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and project objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with CAE/FEA tools for structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with automotive systems such as powertrain, chassis, or thermal management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage design projects from concept to production.
• Experience with design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive annual salary, complemented by performance-based bonuses and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid, dental coverage, and retirement fund contributions are standard.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including advanced training programs, external certifications, and attendance at key industry conferences.
• You will join a dynamic team environment focused on innovation and automotive excellence.
• This role offers significant career advancement prospects within a leading automotive supplier.
• We are committed to fostering a collaborative and rewarding work experience.