Lead Automotive Software Architect

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Software Architect for our client in George, Western Cape. The role combines remote work with in-office sessions, focusing on defining architecture for automotive ECUs and distributed systems to enable scalable, safe, and maintainable software across next-generation vehicles.

You will lead a team of engineers, collaborate with hardware and systems teams, ensure ISO 26262 compliance, and stay ahead of evolving tech such as CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in CS, EE, or related field.
• 10+ years in software development; 5+ years in automotive architecture.
• Experience with embedded systems, RTOS, MCUs.
• Knowledge of CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS.
• Experience designing scalable, fault-tolerant architectures.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 safety standards.
• Strong SDLC and Agile experience.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• AUTOSAR architecture experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and document high-level software architecture for ECUs and distributed systems.
• Define software requirements, standards, and guidelines for development teams.
• Evaluate and select technologies, tools, frameworks for automotive applications.
• Ensure ISO 26262 compliance in software design.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and application teams to define interfaces.
• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers with architectural oversight.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure feasibility of proposed solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex software issues and provide guidance.
• Stay abreast of trends and technologies in automotive software.

Skills

Embedded systems

RTOS

CAN

LIN

Automotive Ethernet

UDS

Fault-tolerant design

Leadership

Communication

SDLC

Agile

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AUTOSAR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Automotive Software Architect to join their innovative team in **George, Western Cape**. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of automotive software development for next-generation vehicles. As a hybrid role, you will benefit from the flexibility of remote work combined with collaborative in-office sessions, fostering both independent productivity and team synergy. You will be responsible for defining the software architecture for complex automotive systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability. This position demands a deep understanding of embedded systems, automotive communication protocols, and modern software development methodologies. Your architectural decisions will have a profound impact on the performance, safety, and user experience of our client's vehicles, contributing significantly to their market leadership and technological advancement. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for solving complex challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and document high-level software architecture for automotive ECUs and distributed systems.
• Define software requirements, standards, and guidelines for development teams.
• Evaluate and select appropriate software technologies, tools, and frameworks for automotive applications.
• Ensure adherence to automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) in software design.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and application developers to define interfaces and integration strategies.
• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, providing technical guidance and architectural oversight.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure the technical integrity and feasibility of proposed solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex software issues and provide architectural guidance for resolution.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the automotive software domain.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in automotive software architecture.
• Extensive experience with embedded systems, RTOS, and microcontrollers.
• Deep knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, and UDS.
• Proven experience in designing complex, scalable, and fault-tolerant software architectures.
• Familiarity with automotive safety standards like ISO 26262.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with AUTOSAR architecture is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Generous leave policy and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge automotive technologies and development tools.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.