Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Systems

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape invites a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design and development of advanced automotive systems, from concept to production. You will implement robust mechanical solutions, optimize performance, and ensure safety and quality standards.

The role blends in-office collaboration with hybrid remote work, utilizes SolidWorks, CATIA, and FEA tools, and requires strong communication, mentorship, and project management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design with automotive focus.
• Proficiency in CAD software: SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD.
• Experience with FEA tools for stress, thermal and vibration analysis.
• Solid understanding of GD&T, materials, manufacturing processes and automotive quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test complex automotive mechanical systems and components.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform stress, thermal, and vibration analyses via FEA tools.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and manufacturing teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical documentation and BOMs.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

Job description

Our client, a leading innovator in automotive component development, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team in East London, Eastern Cape . This pivotal role involves spearheading the design and development of cutting-edge mechanical systems for next-generation vehicles. You will be instrumental in driving projects from conceptualization through to production, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality, performance, and safety. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechanical principles, advanced CAD skills, and a passion for automotive technology. This hybrid role offers a balance between in-office collaboration and focused remote work, providing flexibility while maintaining strong team synergy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test complex mechanical systems and components for automotive applications.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration testing to validate designs.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and bill of materials.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve product performance, reduce costs, and enhance manufacturability.
• Oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new product development.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on automotive systems.
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis.
• Solid understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, casting, machining), and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality management systems is advantageous.
• Experience in project management is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote and office-based tasks.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical and retirement plans, opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, generous paid time off, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to innovation and employee growth in the heart of East London, Eastern Cape .