Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead advanced automotive hardware development in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will design components from concept through production validation, leveraging CATIA V5 and Siemens NX, and running FEA/CFD simulations.

collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, QA and suppliers will be key. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in automotive design, strong problem-solving skills, and a proven track record with OEMs, delivering durable, high-performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of professional mechanical design experience in automotive engineering.
• Expert proficiency in major CAD tools (CATIA V5, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with CAE/FEA CFD simulations.
• Proven track record in automotive product development and OEM collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive mechanical components and assemblies using CAD.
• Perform structural, thermal and vibration analyses to validate designs.
• Ensure designs meet performance, safety and OEM requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, QA and testing teams.
• Manage design from concept to production release, including DFM/DFA.
• Create/maintain 3D models, 2D drawings and BOMs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design concept innovations.

Skills

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

FEA/CFD

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to enhance their engineering capabilities in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of automotive component design, from concept through to production validation. You will be instrumental in designing and developing critical mechanical systems that meet stringent automotive industry standards for performance, safety, and durability. The ideal candidate is passionate about automotive engineering, possesses excellent CAD skills, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced product development environment. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to the creation of advanced automotive technologies within a leading organization located in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed analysis, including stress, thermal, and vibration simulations, to validate designs.
• Ensure designs meet all functional requirements, performance targets, and regulatory standards (e.g., OEM specifications).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and testing.
• Manage the design process from concept generation to production release, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly).
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities, addressing any issues that arise.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Contribute to innovation by identifying and proposing new design concepts and technologies.
• Liaise with customers (OEMs) during the design and development phases as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive sector.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX).
• Strong experience with CAE tools for simulation (FEA, CFD).
• Deep understanding of automotive component design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience in product development cycles for the automotive industry.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience working with major automotive OEMs is highly desirable.
• Located in or willing to relocate to the **Vereeniging, Gauteng** area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and provident fund, performance-driven bonuses, and extensive opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the automotive industry.
• You will be part of a dynamic and innovative engineering team focused on delivering high-quality automotive solutions.
• We provide a challenging yet supportive work environment where your contributions are valued.