Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health and retirement

Opportunities for professional growth

Access to advanced simulation/testing

Durban-based collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer to design, develop, and calibrate control systems for internal combustion engines and EV powertrains.

You will optimize engine performance, fuel efficiency and emissions through EMS, MPC and state-space methods, using INCA/ETAS and MATLAB/Simulink, collaborating with vehicle integration teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in automotive powertrain development or control engineering.
• Experience with engine control systems, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and variable valve timing.
• Expertise in control system design and implementation (PID, state-space, MPC).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms for automotive powertrains, including EMS and hybrid/EV powertrains.
• Perform system-level analysis and modeling of powertrain dynamics to identify performance improvement opportunities.
• Calibrate powertrain ECUs to meet performance, fuel economy, and emissions targets.
• Utilize simulation tools and real-time testing methodologies to validate control strategies and optimize parameters.
• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure powertrain control systems function within the overall vehicle architecture.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain control issues identified during development, testing, or production.
• Document control strategies, calibration procedures, and test results thoroughly.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in powertrain technology, control theory, and industry standards.

Skills

Powertrain control

Control theory

PID control

State-space methods

Model-predictive control

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

INCA

ETAS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized automotive technology provider, is seeking a skilled Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer to join their advanced engineering division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role focuses on the design, development, and calibration of cutting-edge powertrain control systems for both internal combustion engines and emerging electric vehicle powertrains. You will play a crucial part in optimizing engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control through sophisticated software and control strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of engine dynamics, control theory, and modern powertrain architectures. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable automotive solutions and drive innovation within the Durban automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms for automotive powertrains, including engine management systems (EMS) and hybrid/electric vehicle (EV) powertrains.


• Perform system-level analysis and modeling of powertrain dynamics to identify opportunities for performance improvement and calibration.


• Calibrate powertrain control units (ECUs) to meet stringent performance, fuel economy, and emissions targets.


• Utilize simulation tools and real-time testing methodologies to validate control strategies and optimize parameters.


• Collaborate with vehicle integration teams to ensure powertrain control systems function optimally within the overall vehicle architecture.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain control issues identified during development, testing, or production phases.


• Document control strategies, calibration procedures, and test results thoroughly.


• Stay updated with the latest advancements in powertrain technology, control theory, and relevant industry standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• A minimum of 6 years of experience in automotive powertrain development or control engineering.


• Proven experience with engine control systems, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and variable valve timing.


• Expertise in control system design and implementation, including PID control, state-space methods, and model-predictive control (MPC).


• Proficiency with calibration tools (e.g., INCA, ETAS) and modeling software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).


• Experience with hybrid or electric vehicle powertrain control is highly desirable.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.


• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.


• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.


• Access to advanced simulation and testing equipment.


• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment in Durban.


• Contribute to the development of next-generation sustainable automotive technologies.