Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Global automotive projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a Pietermaritzburg-based role in the automotive sector. The candidate will lead design, analysis, and PLM-related activities to advance cutting-edge automotive components.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD/FEA expertise (SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus), and a solid grasp of materials, manufacturing processes, and GD&T. Eligible to work in Pietermaritzburg is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven proficiency in 3D CAD and FEA tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications.
• Use SolidWorks or CATIA for 3D modeling and drafting with manufacturing drawings.
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses using FEA tools to validate designs.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA to drive product development from concept to production.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases, documenting results and implementing changes.
• Prepare technical documentation including FMEA and BOM.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay updated on automotive standards and industry best practices.
• Participate in design reviews and problem-solving initiatives.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in automotive engineering solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge automotive components. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, ensuring product quality, and meeting rigorous industry standards. This position is perfect for a professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of mechanical engineering within the automotive sector. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in design, analysis, and product lifecycle management, contributing directly to the success of our client's strategic initiatives. We are looking for an individual who can bring fresh perspectives and robust technical expertise to our engineering department.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive applications, adhering to strict performance and safety specifications.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for 3D modeling, drafting, and creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Conduct thorough stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration analysis using FEA tools to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product development from concept to production.
• Manage and oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new designs, documenting results and implementing necessary modifications.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and bill of materials (BOM).
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the design team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical engineering and automotive technology to propose innovative solutions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Participate in design review meetings and contribute to problem-solving initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on automotive components.
• Proven proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar).
• Solid understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, machining, stamping), and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16949) is a significant advantage.
• Eligibility to work in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee growth.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and testing facilities.
• Contribute to exciting projects within the global automotive industry.