Lead Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical Insurance

Pension Fund

Professional Development

Hybrid Work

Career Progression

Wellness Program

Annual Leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer to drive design, development and testing of advanced electrical/electronic vehicle systems. You will lead a team across ADAS, infotainment and EV powertrains, ensuring safety and reliability.

You will define vehicle architectures, manage integration, oversee HIL test plans, and collaborate with suppliers while upholding ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR standards. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in automotive electrical system design and development.
• Experience with CAN/LIN/Ethernet and automotive protocols.
• Knowledge of ISO 26262, AUTOSAR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical system design for new vehicle platforms.
• Define architectures for wiring, ECUs, sensors and actuators.
• Oversee system integration and testing, including HIL testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage project timelines.
• Ensure safety and compliance with automotive standards.

Skills

CAN/LIN/Ethernet

Embedded systems

Microcontroller programming

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Functional safety (ISO 26262)

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

OrCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is searching for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer to join their innovative team in Cape Town, Western Cape . This is a pivotal role responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of complex electrical and electronic systems within vehicles. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of automotive electrical architectures, power distribution, signal integrity, and embedded systems. You will lead a team of talented engineers, guiding them through the entire product development lifecycle, from conceptualization to series production. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on next‑generation vehicle technologies, including advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, in a city renowned for its technological advancements. We are looking for a leader who can foster a collaborative environment, drive technical excellence, and ensure the seamless integration of electrical components that meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of automotive electronics and contributing to the success of our client's cutting‑edge projects. The role demands a strategic mindset coupled with hands‑on technical proficiency in the fast‑paced Cape Town automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical system design and development process for new vehicle platforms.
• Define and manage electrical architectures, including wiring harnesses, ECUs, sensors, and actuators.
• Oversee the integration of electrical components and subsystems, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for electrical systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and electronic issues during development and production phases.
• Collaborate with suppliers to select and procure electrical components that meet design specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, fostering their technical growth and development.
• Ensure adherence to automotive standards such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety) and AUTOSAR.
• Prepare and present technical reports and project status updates to senior management.
• Drive innovation in electrical system design, exploring new technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in automotive electrical system design and development.
• In‑depth knowledge of CAN, LIN, Ethernet, and other automotive communication protocols.
• Experience with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD) and PCB design principles.
• Proficiency in embedded systems development and microcontroller programming.
• Strong understanding of power electronics, battery management systems (BMS), and charging systems for EVs.
• Experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity concepts in automotive applications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage complex projects and work effectively in a cross‑functional team.
• Previous experience in a lead or supervisory role is highly preferred.
• Must have valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Employees benefit from a company pension fund and opportunities for professional development through advanced training and international conferences.
• A flexible working arrangement that blends remote and in‑office work is provided.
• You’ll join a collaborative and innovative environment in the vibrant city of Cape Town , with ample opportunities for career progression.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave and access to employee wellness programs.
• This role is ideal for an ambitious engineer looking to make a significant impact in the automotive electrical systems domain.