Lead Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Executive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Leading edge automotive security tech

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Our client in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a visionary Lead Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer. The role combines hybrid work with on-site collaboration for secure assessments and team alignment within the automotive security domain.

You will define and implement robust cybersecurity strategies, policies, and architectures across the vehicle lifecycle, including design and production. Strong leadership and expertise in ISO/SAE 21434, threat modeling, and secure coding are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 8+ years in cybersecurity with at least 4 years in automotive cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of CAN and Ethernet security implications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automotive cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps.
• Define security requirements for vehicle ECUs and connected services.
• Conduct threat analysis and risk assessments (TARA) for automotive systems.
• Design secure architectures and countermeasures; oversee testing.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 and UN R155.
• Collaborate across hardware, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity engineers.
• Stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies in automotive security.

Skills

Automotive cybersecurity

Threat modeling

Penetration testing

Cryptography

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Cybersecurity

Tools

Penetration testing tools

CAN/Ethernet security

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer to spearhead their cybersecurity initiatives in Randburg, Gauteng. This is a pivotal role responsible for safeguarding the connected vehicle ecosystem against evolving cyber threats. As a hybrid position, you will have the advantage of remote work flexibility for analysis and strategic planning, complemented by essential on-site collaboration for hands-on security assessments and team alignment. You will define and implement robust cybersecurity strategies, policies, and architectures across the vehicle lifecycle, from design to production. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434), threat modeling, penetration testing, and secure coding practices. Your leadership and technical acumen will be critical in ensuring the safety and security of our client's vehicles and customer data, reinforcing their reputation for trust and innovation in the automotive industry. This is a high-impact role for a cybersecurity expert passionate about shaping the future of automotive security.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive automotive cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps.
• Define security requirements for vehicle electronic systems, ECUs, and connected services.
• Conduct threat analysis and risk assessments (TARA) for automotive systems.
• Design and implement secure architectures, protocols, and countermeasures.
• Oversee penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of automotive systems.
• Ensure compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UN R155.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to embed security throughout the development lifecycle.
• Develop secure coding guidelines and promote security best practices.
• Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity engineers.
• Stay abreast of emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies relevant to the automotive industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 4 years focused on automotive cybersecurity.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet) and their security implications.
• Experience with cybersecurity frameworks, threat modeling, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity with penetration testing tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of cryptographic principles and their application in automotive systems.
• Knowledge of ISO/SAE 21434 and other relevant automotive security standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CSSLP) are a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering excellent work-life balance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Work on cutting-edge technologies at the forefront of automotive security.
• Be a key player in shaping the future of automotive cybersecurity.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.