Automotive Systems Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Automotive Systems Architect to define the high-level design and technical direction of automotive systems. You will guide the integration of ECUs, sensors, actuators, and networks while ensuring safety and reliability across software and hardware domains.

You will collaborate with software, hardware, and mechanical teams to translate customer needs into robust architectures, driving standards like AUTOSAR and ISO 26262.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive systems engineering and architecture design.
• Deep understanding of automotive ECUs, embedded systems, and software development processes.
• Proficiency in system modeling tools (SysML, UML) and simulation environments.
• Strong knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay).
• Experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles in automotive applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive complex projects to completion.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall architecture for automotive electronic systems and software.
• Lead the design of integrated systems, encompassing ECUs, sensors, actuators, and communication networks.
• Ensure system architectures comply with industry standards (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware and software components and technologies.
• Develop system models and simulations to validate architectural designs.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate system-level risks and technical challenges.
• Stay current with emerging automotive technologies and industry best practices.

Skills

SysML/UML modeling

System architecture leadership

Automotive ECUs understanding

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

SysML

UML

Simulation tools

CAN/LIN/Ethernet/FlexRay

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Automotive Systems Architect to join their innovative team in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. This role is crucial for defining the high-level design and technical direction of our automotive systems, ensuring seamless integration of complex electronic components, software, and hardware. As an Architect, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements, translating customer needs and market trends into robust and scalable system architectures. You will collaborate closely with diverse engineering disciplines, including software, hardware, and mechanical teams, to ensure that our automotive solutions meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to leave your mark on the next generation of vehicles in a hybrid work environment that balances collaboration with personal flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall architecture for automotive electronic systems and software.
• Lead the design of integrated systems, encompassing ECUs, sensors, actuators, and communication networks.
• Ensure system architectures comply with industry standards (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware and software components and technologies.
• Develop system models and simulations to validate architectural designs.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate system-level risks and technical challenges.
• Stay current with emerging automotive technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in automotive systems engineering and architecture design.
• Deep understanding of automotive ECUs, embedded systems, and software development processes.
• Proficiency in system modeling tools (e.g., SysML, UML) and simulation environments.
• Strong knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay).
• Experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles in automotive applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive complex projects to completion.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.

Benefits

Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment. This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds, allowing for in-office collaboration and the flexibility to work remotely. We provide a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan. Professional development is prioritized, with opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and career advancement. Employees also benefit from paid time off, wellness programs, and access to state-of-the-art facilities in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. Join a company that is at the forefront of automotive innovation and contribute to building the future of transportation.