Senior Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Components

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Medical aid and retirement savings

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to drive design, development and testing of advanced automotive components. A Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering is required, with 5–7 years of automotive design experience.

The role demands strong CAD and simulation skills (SolidWorks/CATIA/AutoCAD and ANSYS/ABAQUS), knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and excellent collaboration and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years in mechanical design/product development in automotive.
• Proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes and SPC.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of automotive mechanical components from concept to production.
• Conduct simulations (FEA/CFD) and physical testing to validate designs.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, QA and project management for product launches.
• Troubleshoot engineering challenges across design, prototyping and production.
• Develop and maintain design specs, test reports and manufacturing guidelines.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory requirements in automotive engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to process improvements to boost efficiency and quality.

Skills

Analytical thinking and problem‑solvng

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in automotive component manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their dynamic team. This pivotal role will be based in Johannesburg, Gauteng and will focus on the design, development, and testing of advanced automotive parts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in mechanical engineering principles coupled with practical experience in a fast-paced production environment. You will be instrumental in driving product innovation and ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance in our client's offerings. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking company at the forefront of automotive technology, working within a collaborative and supportive culture that values technical expertise and continuous improvement. The role offers significant scope for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of the automotive industry in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new automotive mechanical components from concept to production.
• Conduct rigorous simulations, analyses (FEA, CFD), and physical testing to validate component designs and performance.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management, to ensure successful product launches.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering challenges that arise during the design, prototyping, and production phases.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing guidelines.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements in automotive engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the engineering team.
• Contribute to process improvements within the engineering department to enhance efficiency and product quality.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, specifically within the automotive sector.
• Proven expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Deep understanding of material science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping), and statistical process control (SPC).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong project management capabilities and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or mentoring capacity is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plans, ensuring well-being and financial security.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to advanced training programs and relevant industry conferences, are provided.
• A dynamic and inclusive work environment fosters innovation and teamwork.
• The company also offers generous paid time off and opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.