Remote Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Fully remote (SA)

Professional development

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead a team of electrical engineers in designing and validating ECUs and automotive electrical architectures from anywhere in South Africa.

You’ll drive system definitions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop test plans, and mentor juniors while ensuring ISO 26262 and AEC-Q compliance. Strong leadership and remote collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in automotive electrical design and development.
• 2+ years in a leadership or senior role.
• Experience with ISO 26262 and automotive quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of automotive electrical systems, including power distribution and wiring harnesses.
• Oversee ECU development and validation for critical vehicle functions.
• Define electrical system architecture aligned with vehicle design and functional requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers for integration.
• Develop test plans and ensure ISO 26262 and AEC-Q compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Team mentoring

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Automotive Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

PSpice

CAN

LIN

Ethernet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in automotive electronics and control systems, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer for a fully remote position. This is an unparalleled opportunity for seasoned professionals to contribute their expertise from any location within South Africa. You will lead a team of talented electrical engineers in the design, development, and validation of cutting-edge electrical architectures and electronic control units (ECUs) for advanced automotive applications. The role is entirely remote, empowering you with the flexibility to work from your chosen environment while collaborating closely with global teams. We are looking for a leader with a deep understanding of automotive electrical systems, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to guide complex projects to successful completion. Join a company that is redefining automotive excellence and offers significant remote career prospects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electrical systems, including power distribution, wiring harnesses, and sensor integration.
• Oversee the development and validation of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for critical vehicle functions.
• Define electrical system architecture, ensuring compatibility with overall vehicle design and functional requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of electrical components.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for electrical components and systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 26262, AEC-Q).
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, fostering their technical growth and project contributions.
• Analyze electrical system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive electrical engineering, including electrification, autonomous driving technologies, and smart power management.
• Prepare and present detailed technical documentation, design reviews, and project status updates to stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively within a remote work setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive electrical system design and development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Strong understanding of automotive electrical architectures, power electronics, and embedded systems.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, PSpice).
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and automotive quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects in a distributed team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits plan and opportunities for professional development and advancement. As a fully remote position, you have the freedom to work from your preferred location in South Africa. You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company that is shaping the future of the automotive industry. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead critical projects and make a significant impact on automotive technology from wherever you are. We support a healthy work-life balance and provide the resources for you to thrive.