Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Midrand, Gauteng, to lead the design of automotive components from concept to production support. The role balances office collaboration with focused remote work, within a hybrid model that supports innovation and skill development.

You will drive CAD design using SolidWorks/CATIA, perform FEA/CFD analyses, and guide prototyping and testing while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and detailed design of mechanical systems for automotive applications using CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform advanced engineering analysis (FEA/CFD) to validate and optimize designs.
• Develop and maintain drawings, BOMs, and design reports.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, and QA teams for seamless integration and timelines.
• Oversee prototyping and testing, troubleshoot design issues, implement modifications.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote continuous learning.

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 Midrand, Gauteng. This role is crucial for the development of cutting-edge automotive components, driving advancements in efficiency and performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical principles, a passion for automotive technology, and the ability to translate complex design concepts into tangible, high-quality products. You will be instrumental in the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and detailed design through to prototyping, testing, and production support. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee development, operating in a hybrid work model that balances collaborative office time with focused remote work. We are committed to fostering an environment where talent can thrive and make a significant impact on the future of mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of mechanical systems and components for automotive applications using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform advanced engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs and optimize performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and design reports.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product integration and adherence to project timelines.
• Oversee prototyping and testing phases, troubleshooting design issues and implementing necessary modifications.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry trends in mechanical engineering and automotive design.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, with a significant portion focused on the automotive sector.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX) and FEA/CFD simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, machining), and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven experience in project management and leading engineering initiatives.
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from R per annum .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Participation in cutting-edge automotive projects with global impact.
• Generous leave policy and flexible working arrangements supporting a hybrid model.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment in Midrand, Gauteng .