Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Components

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Health and retirement benefits

Cutting-edge design software access

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a key automotive supplier to recruit a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will design and validate complex automotive components, using CATIA/Siemens NX, perform FEA/CFD analyses, and drive designs from concept to production in a hybrid work setting.

Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in mechanical design within automotive, strong problem-solving skills, and solid collaboration with R&D, manufacturing and QA teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in mechanical design, with automotive sector focus.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA, Siemens NX) and FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Solid understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes and standards (APQP, PPAP).
• Experience with product validation and testing procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed analysis, including FEA, CFD, and thermal simulations to optimize designs for performance and reliability.
• Create manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and product specifications.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure seamless product integration.
• Manage the design validation process, including planning and executing prototype testing.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure design intent is met.
• Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues through the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in design processes and tools.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier to the automotive industry, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to their innovative product development efforts in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This role is pivotal in designing and validating cutting-edge automotive components, focusing on performance, durability, and manufacturability. You will work within a collaborative engineering team, leveraging advanced design tools and methodologies to bring new ideas from concept to production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of automotive systems and a passion for developing high-quality engineered solutions. This position offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for a balanced approach to project execution within **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. Our client is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and values engineers who are proactive, detail-oriented, and driven by innovation. Join us in shaping the future of mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components and assemblies for automotive applications using advanced CAD software.
• Perform detailed analysis, including FEA, CFD, and thermal simulations, to optimize designs for performance and reliability.
• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and product specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product integration.
• Manage the design validation process, including planning and executing prototype testing.
• Work closely with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure design intent is met.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in design processes and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in mechanical design, with a strong background in the automotive sector.
• Proficiency in advanced 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX) and FEA analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Solid understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards (e.g., APQP, PPAP).
• Experience with product validation and testing procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the automotive sector.
• Access to cutting-edge design and simulation software.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**.
• Potential for international project involvement.
• Contribution to the development of next-generation automotive technologies.