Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Training opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 invites an experienced Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer to join our client’s Richards Bay-based product development team. You will design, integrate, and test complex electrical architectures for next-gen vehicles, focusing on power distribution, wiring harnesses, sensors and control units.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years' automotive electrical design experience, with strong CAD and simulation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in automotive electrical system design and development.
• Proven experience with automotive wiring harness design, connectors, and related technologies.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations related to electrical systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical system architectures for automotive applications.
• Specify electrical components, sensors, and actuators to meet performance and reliability.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics and 3D models using EPLAN and E3.series.
• Perform simulations to validate designs, including EMC considerations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and testing teams for seamless integration.
• Develop test plans and oversee validation testing of electrical systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during development, testing, and production.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of electrical design processes.
• Stay updated on trends in automotive electrical systems.

Skills

Electrical system design

CAN/LIN/Ethernet protocols

Electrical CAD software

EMC testing

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

Zuken E3.series

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the automotive supply chain, is seeking an experienced Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer to join their innovative product development team. This role, based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, focuses on the design, integration, and testing of complex electrical architectures for next-generation vehicles. You will be instrumental in developing cutting‑edge solutions for power distribution, wiring harnesses, sensors, and control units. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and a deep understanding of automotive electrical systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking automotive projects within a company known for its technological prowess and commitment to quality in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical system architectures, including wiring harnesses, connectors, and power distribution systems, for automotive applications.
• Specify electrical components, sensors, and actuators, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and reliability requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics and 3D models using industry-standard software (e.g., EPLAN, Zuken E3.series).
• Perform analysis and simulations to validate electrical system designs, including signal integrity and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility).
• Collaborate with mechanical design, software development, and testing teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems.
• Develop test plans and procedures for electrical components and systems, and oversee validation testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical system issues during development, testing, and production phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of electrical design processes and methodologies.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in automotive electrical systems and electronic components.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in automotive electrical system design and development.
• Proven experience with automotive wiring harness design, connectors, and related technologies.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations related to electrical systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with EMC testing and mitigation techniques is a plus.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• This includes medical aid contributions, a retirement fund, and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, access to advanced engineering tools, and a supportive work environment that encourages innovation.
• The Hybrid work model allows for a balance between collaborative in-office work and focused remote tasks.
• Join a leading organization in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, and play a key role in shaping the future of automotive electrical systems.