Lead Automotive Electronics Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training and certifications

Access to R&D facilities

Dynamic, innovative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead Automotive Electronics Engineer to oversee the electronics division. You will guide ECU, sensor, and module development and shape systems for ADAS and connected vehicles.

Your leadership will drive projects from concept to mass production while ensuring safety, quality, and innovation. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive electronics, strong leadership, and expertise in automotive networks and embedded systems.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Master’s or PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years in automotive electronics engineering with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive protocols CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet.
• Experience with ISO 26262 functional safety and cybersecurity in automotive apps.
• Proven project management skills and ability to lead agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of ECUs, sensors, and communication modules for vehicles.
• Architect robust electronic systems for ADAS, infotainment, and powertrain apps.
• Manage full product development lifecycle from requirements to production support.
• Oversee hardware/software integration and system performance tuning.
• Define firmware requirements and support embedded software implementation.
• Mentor engineers and collaborate with suppliers to evaluate components.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Agile methodologies

Communication

Team collaboration

Embedded systems

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneer in automotive technology, driving innovation in areas such as advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. They are seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Electronics Engineer to head their dedicated electronics division in Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role involves overseeing the design, development, and integration of complex electronic systems that power the future of vehicles. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of automotive electronic architectures, embedded systems, and the latest trends in vehicle connectivity and safety. You will lead a team of talented engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, while managing projects from initial concept through to mass production. This is a high-impact position for a leader passionate about shaping the automotive landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and communication modules.
• Architect and implement robust electronic systems for ADAS, infotainment, and powertrain applications.
• Manage the full lifecycle of electronic product development, from requirements definition to validation and production support.
• Oversee hardware and software integration, ensuring seamless operation and performance.
• Collaborate with software development teams to define firmware requirements and support embedded software implementation.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of electronic systems, adhering to automotive standards (e.g., ISO 26262).
• Mentor and guide a team of electronic engineers, promoting technical growth and project success.
• Engage with suppliers and technology partners to evaluate and integrate new electronic components and solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive electronics engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Extensive knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Proficiency in schematic design, PCB layout, and hardware debugging tools.
• Experience with embedded systems design and microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles in automotive applications.
• Strong project management skills and experience with agile methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration abilities.
• Must be authorized to work in Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.
• A stimulating and forward-thinking work environment.