Senior Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Components

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health, dental, and eye

Retirement savings plan with company-m

Performance bonuses

Supportive team environment

Innovative mobility technologies

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, South Africa, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate powertrain and chassis components for a leading Tier 1 supplier. You translate customer requirements into robust mechanical designs, ensuring durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

You will use CATIA or SolidWorks for 3D modeling, perform FEA, develop testing plans, and collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience with powertrain components or chassis systems.
• Expert in 3D CAD and FEA/CAE simulation tools.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (casting, forging, machining, etc).
• APQP/PPAP experience is a plus.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of automotive components per OEM specs.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CAD software.
• Perform stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analyses via FEA tools.
• Develop and execute durability and performance testing plans.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize designs for high-volume production.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions across lifecycles.
• Support product launches and provide technical manufacturing support.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Education

BSc Mechanical Eng

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

FEA/CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier renowned for its innovation in powertrain components, is seeking a seasoned Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their growing team in Klerksdorp . This role offers a compelling opportunity to contribute to the design, development, and validation of next-generation automotive components. You will be instrumental in translating customer requirements into robust mechanical designs, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, quality, and program management, as well as direct interaction with automotive OEMs. The hybrid work model provides a balanced approach, allowing for collaborative on-site work and focused individual contributions from home. This is a chance to shape the future of automotive technology within a dynamic and technologically advanced organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of automotive components, ensuring compliance with OEM specifications and industry standards.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) for 3D modeling and create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform comprehensive engineering analyses, including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue analysis, using FEA tools.
• Develop and execute rigorous testing plans for component validation, including durability and performance testing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for high-volume production processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for design-related issues and implement corrective actions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support product launch activities and provide ongoing technical support to manufacturing and customer service teams.
• Stay current with the latest automotive technologies, trends, and regulations impacting mechanical design.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Participate in and present findings during design reviews with internal teams and external customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design and development within the automotive industry.
• Proven experience with powertrain components, chassis systems, or similar automotive applications.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software and FEA/CAE simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., casting, forging, machining, injection molding).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration and customer interaction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality methodologies.
• Experience working directly with automotive OEMs is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plan with company matching
• Performance bonuses
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to work on innovative technologies that shape the future of mobility