Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer with automotive specialization to lead design initiatives from concept to production. You will drive complex mechanical systems, ensure performance, safety, and aesthetics meet high standards, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires strong CAD skills (CATIA, SolidWorks), FEA and durability testing, cross-functional collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain, and a track record of bringing automotive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a strong focus on automotive design.
• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling and simulation tools relevant to automotive engineering.
• Deep understanding of automotive component manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, casting).
• Proven track record of successfully bringing automotive components or systems to market.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills for projects in Stellenbosch.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive mechanical systems and components, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for complex 3D modeling, surfacing, and creating detailed engineering drawings.
• Conduct thorough analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and durability testing simulations, to validate design integrity under extreme conditions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, testing, and supply chain, to ensure successful product launch.
• Manage design documentation, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive technologies and industry trends to propose innovative design solutions.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Mechanical Design Engineer with a specialization in the automotive sector to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch . This role demands creativity, technical depth, and a passion for developing next-generation automotive components and systems. You will lead design initiatives, from concept through to production, ensuring that all designs meet rigorous performance, safety, and aesthetic standards. This is a key position within a forward-thinking engineering department focused on pushing the boundaries of automotive technology in the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive mechanical systems and components, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.


• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for complex 3D modeling, surfacing, and creating detailed engineering drawings.


• Conduct thorough analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and durability testing simulations, to validate design integrity under extreme conditions.


• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, testing, and supply chain, to ensure successful product launch.


• Manage design documentation, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications throughout the product development lifecycle.


• Stay abreast of emerging automotive technologies and industry trends to propose innovative design solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a strong focus on automotive design.


• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, specifically within the automotive industry.


• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling and simulation tools relevant to automotive engineering.


• Deep understanding of automotive component manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, casting).


• Proven track record of successfully bringing automotive components or systems to market.


• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills for projects in Stellenbosch .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.


• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement planning.


• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.


• Work on cutting-edge automotive technologies in a stimulating environment.


• Contribute to the future of mobility from Stellenbosch .