Automotive Electrical Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Training and development

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Electrical Engineer in Gauteng to design, test, and validate complex electrical systems for next‑gen vehicles. You will work on wiring harnesses, ECUs, and integration with embedded software, in a hybrid setup with collaboration across mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires a BEng/BTech in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of auto electrical experience, with knowledge of CAN/LIN/Ethernet and proficiency in Altium Designer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in automotive electrical system design and development.
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics Capital) and simulation software.
• Experience with testing and validation methodologies for automotive electronic components and systems.
• Knowledge of automotive functional safety standards (ISO 26262) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong collaboration in hybrid team environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical schematics and wiring harnesses for automotive applications.
• Specify and select automotive-grade electronic components, sensors, actuators, and ECUs.
• Perform simulations and analysis (FEA, SPICE) to validate electrical performance and reliability.
• Develop and execute test plans for electrical components and systems, including HIL testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues during prototype development, testing, and production.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate embedded control software within the electrical architecture.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including design specs and test reports.
• Stay current with emerging automotive electrical technologies and validation methodologies.

Skills

Automotive electronics

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Mentor Graphics Capital

SPICE simulations

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a forward-thinking automotive manufacturing firm seeking a talented Automotive Electrical Engineer to join their burgeoning team in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is ideal for an innovative individual passionate about designing, developing, and testing complex electrical systems for next-generation vehicles. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of automotive electronics, working on everything from powertrain control units to infotainment systems and advanced driver-assistance technologies. The position offers a blend of on-site collaboration and focused remote work, allowing for flexibility while ensuring effective team synergy. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, to bring cutting-edge automotive solutions to life. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact on vehicles that will be driven by millions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical schematics and wiring harnesses for automotive applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and vehicle specifications.
• Specify and select automotive-grade electronic components, sensors, actuators, and ECUs.
• Perform simulations and analysis (e.g., FEA, SPICE) to validate electrical system performance and reliability under various operating conditions.
• Develop and execute test plans for electrical components and systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues encountered during prototype development, testing, and production phases.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate and validate embedded control software within the electrical architecture.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing support documents.
• Stay current with emerging automotive electrical technologies, such as electrification, autonomous driving systems, and advanced connectivity solutions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and validation methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in automotive electrical system design and development.
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics Capital) and simulation software.
• Experience with testing and validation methodologies for automotive electronic components and systems.
• Knowledge of automotive functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Familiarity with power electronics and battery management systems (BMS) for electric vehicles is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Contribution to a leading automotive company shaping the future of mobility.
• Access to advanced training and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse automotive projects.
• Company-provided tools and equipment necessary for the role.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.