Automotive Powertrain Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Medical aid and life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Industry conference participation

Work-life balance emphasis

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Automotive Powertrain Specialist to lead the design, development, testing, and optimization of ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains. The role focuses on performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction, with cross-functional collaboration across engineering teams.

Applicants should have deep knowledge of powertrain dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems, plus hands-on experience and a track record of delivering high-impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in automotive powertrain development.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid architectures, or EV powertrains.
• Proficiency in powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink, AVL).
• Experience with powertrain calibration tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of automotive control systems and diagnostic protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with emissions regulations and testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced powertrain components and systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).
• Conduct performance analysis, simulations, and testing of powertrain configurations.
• Optimize powertrain systems for fuel efficiency, emissions, performance, and drivability.
• Develop and calibrate engine control units (ECUs) and hybrid/electric control strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on component integration and vehicle testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues during development and production phases.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports on powertrain development activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging powertrain technologies and industry regulations.
• Support the validation and homologation of new powertrain systems.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

GT-SUITE

MATLAB/Simulink

AVL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive industry, is seeking an experienced Automotive Powertrain Specialist to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is integral to the design, development, testing, and optimization of advanced powertrain systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and electric powertrains. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of powertrain dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems, coupled with a passion for automotive innovation. You will collaborate with a team of dedicated engineers, contributing to the enhancement of vehicle performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence the future direction of powertrain technology within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. We are looking for an analytical and results-oriented individual who can tackle complex engineering challenges and contribute to high-impact projects. Your expertise will be crucial in driving our client's commitment to delivering superior automotive products to the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced powertrain components and systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).


• Conduct performance analysis, simulations, and testing of powertrain configurations.


• Optimize powertrain systems for fuel efficiency, emissions, performance, and drivability.


• Develop and calibrate engine control units (ECUs) and hybrid/electric control strategies.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on component integration and vehicle testing.


• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues during development and production phases.


• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports on powertrain development activities.


• Stay abreast of emerging powertrain technologies and industry regulations.


• Support the validation and homologation of new powertrain systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in automotive powertrain development.


• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicle architectures, or electric vehicle powertrains.


• Proficiency in powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink, AVL).


• Experience with powertrain calibration tools and methodologies.


• Knowledge of automotive control systems and diagnostic protocols.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.


• Familiarity with emissions regulations and testing procedures.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-related bonuses.


• Employees are eligible for comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance.


• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and participation in industry conferences, are actively encouraged.


• Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, promoting work-life balance.


• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays are provided.


• This role in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offers a chance to work on exciting powertrain projects with a leading automotive company.