Lead Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Executive‑level salary

Performance-based bonus

Access to advanced tools

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead a global team, define calibration strategies, and oversee calibration of engines and transmissions to meet performance, emissions, and drivability targets.

The role emphasizes cutting-edge powertrain development, collaboration with design and emissions teams, and mentoring engineers in a remote, world-wide program.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain calibration.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in an engineering team.
• Expertise in calibrating gasoline, diesel, and/or hybrid powertrains.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the powertrain calibration team, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Develop and execute calibration strategies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains to meet performance and regulatory requirements.
• Calibrate engine control modules (ECMs) and transmission control modules (TCMs) for optimal power, torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
• Utilize dynamometers, test vehicles, and advanced data acquisition tools for calibration and validation.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to identify and resolve calibration issues.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms and strategies.
• Collaborate with engine design, transmission development, and emissions teams to achieve program objectives.
• Ensure compliance with global emissions regulations and driveability standards.
• Mentor junior calibration engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of the latest powertrain technologies, calibration tools, and industry best practices.

Skills

Powertrain calibration

Team leadership

Hybrid powertrains

Control systems

Emissions regulations

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

ETAS INCA

dSPACE tools

Vector tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive performance and engineering, is seeking an experienced Lead Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer to join their team on a fully remote basis. This senior role is responsible for the development, calibration, and optimization of engine and transmission control systems to meet performance, emissions, fuel economy, and drivability targets. You will lead a team of calibration engineers, define calibration strategies, and oversee the execution of complex calibration tasks. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, advanced control strategies, and the tools used for calibration and validation. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in powertrain technology from a remote location, impacting vehicles worldwide. We seek a highly motivated and technically astute individual ready to lead and innovate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the powertrain calibration team, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Develop and execute calibration strategies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains to meet performance and regulatory requirements.
• Calibrate engine control modules (ECMs) and transmission control modules (TCMs) for optimal power, torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
• Utilize dynamometers, test vehicles, and advanced data acquisition tools for calibration and validation.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to identify and resolve calibration issues.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms and strategies.
• Collaborate with engine design, transmission development, and emissions teams to achieve program objectives.
• Ensure compliance with global emissions regulations and driveability standards.
• Mentor junior calibration engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of the latest powertrain technologies, calibration tools, and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain calibration.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in an engineering team.
• In-depth knowledge of internal combustion engine operation, thermodynamics, and control systems.
• Expertise in calibrating gasoline, diesel, and/or hybrid powertrains.
• Proficiency with industry-standard calibration tools (e.g., ETAS INCA, dSPACE tools, Vector tools).
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for interpreting test data.
• Strong understanding of emissions regulations and testing procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote team management.
• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Fully remote position offering exceptional work flexibility.
• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge powertrain development projects.
• Access to advanced simulation and calibration tools.
• Significant impact on the company's global product portfolio.
• Continuous professional development and advancement opportunities.