Automotive Powertrain Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for an Automotive Powertrain Control Systems Engineer in East London, Eastern Cape. You will design, calibrate, and validate control systems for ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains to optimize performance, efficiency and emissions.

Collaboration with hardware, software, and vehicle teams is essential. The role requires strong C/C++ embedded skills and extensive MATLAB/Simulink experience, plus hands-on dyno/vehicle testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive powertrain control systems development and calibration.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Extensive experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and code generation.
• Familiarity with CAN, LIN, UDS and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with dynamometer and vehicle testing procedures.
• Strong understanding of ICE, hybrid, or EV powertrains.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control strategies for ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains.
• Create and refine control algorithms using modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Perform software development and calibration for ECUs using C/C++ and automotive tools.
• Conduct system integration, testing, and validation in vehicle and dyno environments.
• Analyze performance data to optimize efficiency, emissions, drivability, and durability.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and vehicle integration teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues during development and validation.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards and document designs and test results.
• Stay updated on emerging powertrain technologies.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

MATLAB/Simulink

Automotive protocols CAN/LIN/UDS

Dynamometer testing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

ECU calibration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automotive powertrain technology, is seeking a highly skilled Automotive Powertrain Control Systems Engineer to join their innovative team in **East London, Eastern Cape**. This role involves the design, development, calibration, and validation of control systems for advanced powertrains, including internal combustion engines, hybrid, and electric vehicle systems. You will work with cutting-edge technologies to optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions. This is a critical role for an engineer passionate about powertrain development and seeking to make a significant impact in the automotive sector in **East London**. We are dedicated to advancing powertrain technology through rigorous engineering and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control strategies for automotive powertrain systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).


• Create and refine control algorithms using modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).


• Perform software development and calibration for Electronic Control Units (ECUs) using C/C++ and automotive-specific tools.


• Conduct system integration, testing, and validation of powertrain control systems in vehicle and on-dyno environments.


• Analyze performance data to optimize control strategies for efficiency, emissions, drivability, and durability.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and vehicle integration teams.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues during development and validation phases.


• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards, regulations, and best practices.


• Document control system designs, calibration procedures, and test results thoroughly.


• Stay updated on emerging powertrain technologies and control system advancements.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive powertrain control systems development and calibration.


• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.


• Extensive experience with MATLAB/Simulink for control system modeling, simulation, and code generation.


• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, UDS) and diagnostic tools.


• Experience with dynamometer testing and vehicle testing procedures.


• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine principles, hybrid systems, or electric vehicle powertrains.


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


• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.


• Must be able to work on-site in **East London, Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. You will work with a team of experts on state-of-the-art powertrain technology in **East London**. Join a company committed to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.