Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Medical & retirement benefits

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Career growth

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer to join their Soweto-based team. You will design, calibrate, and validate control systems for both internal combustion and hybrid/electric powertrains, optimizing performance, efficiency and drivability.

The role requires a strong foundation in control theory and automotive engineering, with hands-on experience using MATLAB/Simulink, INCA, and dSPACE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years in automotive powertrain controls development or calibration.
• Proficient with MATLAB/Simulink; experience with INCA or dSPACE; CAN/UDS knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop EMS and hybrid/electric powertrain control strategies.
• Calibrate control algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and INCA.
• Optimize powertrain performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
• Develop and execute test plans on dynamometer and in-vehicle.
• Analyze test data and adjust control parameters.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams for integration.
• Troubleshoot control system issues during development and production.
• Stay current with powertrain tech and control methodologies.
• Document designs, calibration procedures, and test results.

Skills

Control theory

Thermodynamics

Automotive engineering

Analytical and debugging skills

Teamwork and communication

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

INCA

dSPACE

CAN/UDS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer to join their innovative team based in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA. This role focuses on the design, development, calibration, and validation of sophisticated control systems for vehicle powertrains, encompassing both internal combustion engines and emerging electric/hybrid powertrains. You will be instrumental in optimizing engine performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, and drivability. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in control theory, thermodynamics, and automotive engineering principles, coupled with practical experience using control system development tools. You will collaborate closely with powertrain hardware engineers, software developers, and testing teams to deliver robust and high-performing control solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of automotive powertrain technology in a dynamic and growing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control strategies for engine management systems (EMS) and hybrid/electric powertrains.
• Implement and calibrate control algorithms using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and INCA.
• Optimize powertrain performance, fuel economy, and emissions through effective control strategies.
• Develop and execute test plans for powertrain control systems, both on dynamometer and in-vehicle.
• Analyze test data and implement necessary adjustments to control parameters.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues encountered during development and production.
• Stay current with advancements in powertrain technology and control system methodologies.
• Document control system designs, calibration procedures, and test results.
• Ensure compliance with emissions regulations and performance targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in automotive powertrain controls development or calibration.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine principles and operation.
• Proficiency with control system design and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience with automotive calibration tools and techniques (e.g., INCA, dSPACE).
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, UDS).
• Familiarity with hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain systems is a strong advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be available for full-time, on-site work in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in powertrain technology.
• Be part of a team developing innovative automotive solutions.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for career growth within the company.
• Paid annual leave.