Senior Automotive Safety Systems Engineer

Placements24; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Safety Systems Engineer to join our client in East London, SA, to lead the design, integration, and validation of active and passive safety features in next-generation vehicles.

The role requires deep knowledge of crash analysis tools, safety standards, and cross-functional collaboration, with mentorship responsibilities and strong emphasis on quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in automotive safety systems engineering.
• Experience with passive and/or active safety systems and vehicle dynamics.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 and automotive safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate safety systems including airbags and ADAS.
• Perform FMEA and hazard analyses to identify risks.
• Specify requirements and ensure regulatory compliance (FMVSS, Euro NCAP).
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams for seamless architecture.
• Develop test plans including sled and crash testing.
• Analyze test data and simulations to validate performance.
• Troubleshoot safety-related issues during development.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead safety projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

PAM-CRASH

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automotive safety innovation, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Automotive Safety Systems Engineer to join their cutting-edge team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for developing and implementing advanced safety systems that protect occupants and enhance vehicle safety. You will be responsible for the design, integration, and validation of active and passive safety features, including airbags, seatbelts, electronic stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive safety engineering, a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, and a passion for creating safer vehicles. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the safety standards of next-generation vehicles. We are looking for a driven, meticulous individual who can lead complex safety projects and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional engineering environment for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate active and passive automotive safety systems, including restraint systems and ADAS features.
• Perform safety analysis, such as FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and hazard analysis, to identify potential risks.
• Specify requirements for safety components and systems, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FMVSS, Euro NCAP).
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless implementation of safety systems within the vehicle architecture.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for safety systems, including component testing, sled testing, and full-vehicle crash testing.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve safety-related issues during development, validation, and production phases.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive safety technology and regulatory changes.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on safety engineering projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive safety systems engineering.
• Proven experience with passive safety systems (e.g., airbags, seatbelts) and/or active safety systems (e.g., ESC, AEB, ACC).
• Strong understanding of automotive regulations and safety standards.
• Proficiency in simulation tools for crash analysis (e.g., LS-DYNA, PAM-CRASH) and system modeling.
• Experience with vehicle testing methodologies, including crash testing and dynamic performance evaluation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a demanding project environment.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of functional safety principles (ISO 26262) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a robust retirement savings plan.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth through continuous training, development programs, and exposure to leading-edge safety technologies.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick days, supports a healthy work-life balance.

The role is based in East London, Eastern Cape , a significant automotive manufacturing hub. We foster an innovative and collaborative work culture. Our client is committed to creating a safer automotive future and supporting employee careers.