Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Automotive)

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in automotive components to design, develop, and validate innovative mechanical solutions for safety and performance.

You will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams, mentor juniors, and ensure designs meet ISO/TS or automotive standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering with automotive focus.
• 7+ years in automotive mechanical design.
• Experience with CAE tools and materials/processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, fatigue, and vibration analysis, to ensure component integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless fit and function of designed components within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Specify materials, select components, and define manufacturing processes for automotive parts.
• Create comprehensive 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct design reviews and DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and meet quality standards.
• Develop and execute test plans for component validation and performance verification.
• Stay abreast of automotive industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.

Skills

Senior design

Automotive knowledge

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

FEA

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer with a strong focus on innovation and performance, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in automotive components to join their dynamic team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role demands a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain integration, chassis systems, or other critical automotive mechanical components. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and validating cutting‑edge mechanical solutions that meet stringent automotive standards for safety, durability, and performance. The ideal candidate possesses a creative engineering mind, excellent problem‑solving skills, and a passion for the automotive industry. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and testing, to drive product excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the next generation of automotive vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, fatigue, and vibration analysis, to ensure component integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless fit and function of designed components within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Specify materials, select components, and define manufacturing processes for automotive parts.
• Create comprehensive 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct design reviews and DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are producible and meet quality standards.
• Develop and execute test plans for component validation and performance verification.
• Stay abreast of automotive industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a focus on automotive applications.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Strong understanding of automotive systems, including powertrain, chassis, suspension, or body-in-white.
• Knowledge of automotive materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, injection molding), and industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with simulation and testing methodologies relevant to automotive components.
• Passion for the automotive sector and a drive for innovation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement plan options, and ample paid time off.
• Employees have access to continuous professional development opportunities, including specialized automotive engineering training and certifications.
• This role provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of automotive technology and advance your career in the dynamic field of automotive engineering in Upington, Northern Cape.