Lead Automotive Software Developer - Infotainment

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Performance incentives

Training & conferences

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Automotive Software Developer in Polokwane to spearhead infotainment system development. You will lead a team of engineers, shape software architecture, and drive end-to-end delivery of high-performance features.

The role requires 7+ years in software with at least 3 in leadership within automotive, strong C/C++, RTOS experience, and collaboration with hardware, UX/UI, and product teams. Hybrid work is offered in Limpopo.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software development experience with 3+ years in lead/architect roles in automotive.
• Proven embedded software experience for infotainment (multimedia, navigation, connectivity, HMI).
• Strong knowledge of software architecture patterns and design principles.
• Experience with RTOS such as QNX, Linux or Android Automotive.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team focused on automotive infotainment systems.
• Define and implement software architecture for new infotainment features.
• Oversee SDLC from requirements to deployment and maintenance.
• Develop high-quality, robust C/C++ code with performance in mind.
• Collaborate with hardware, UX/UI, and product managers to translate requirements.
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning, and debugging for reliability.
• Establish coding standards and best practices across the team.
• Stay updated on automotive software trends and infotainment technologies.
• Manage project timelines, resources and deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Embedded systems

C/C++

RTOS

Software architecture

Agile

Code reviews

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science/Software Engineering

Tools

Git

CMake

Debugging tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive innovation headquartered in Polokwane , is seeking an experienced Lead Automotive Software Developer to spearhead the development of cutting-edge infotainment systems. This critical role involves leading a team of talented software engineers, guiding them through the design, development, implementation, and testing phases of complex software solutions. You will be responsible for architectural decisions, code quality, and ensuring timely delivery of high-performance, user-friendly in-car entertainment and connectivity features. The ideal candidate is a visionary software architect with a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and modern software development methodologies within the automotive context. This position is based in Limpopo and offers a unique opportunity to influence the in-car digital experience for millions of drivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers focused on automotive infotainment systems.
• Define and implement software architecture for new infotainment features and platforms.
• Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.
• Develop high-quality, robust, and efficient code in C/C++ or other relevant programming languages.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers, UX/UI designers, and product managers to translate requirements into functional software.
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning, and debugging to ensure software reliability and stability.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and development processes.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in automotive software, embedded systems, and infotainment technologies.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in software development, with at least 3 years in a lead or architect role within the automotive industry.
• Proven experience developing embedded software for automotive infotainment systems (e.g., multimedia, navigation, connectivity, HMI).
• Expertise in C/C++ programming and experience with RTOS (e.g., QNX, Linux, Android Automotive).
• Strong understanding of software architecture patterns and design principles.
• Experience with software development tools, including version control (Git), build systems (CMake), and debugging tools.
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet) and standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement fund, and performance incentives.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth through advanced training and conference participation are encouraged.
• This role provides the chance to work with a talented and passionate team in a stimulating environment in Polokwane .
• Enjoy a hybrid work arrangement that balances collaborative office time with personal flexibility.
• Join our client and help define the future of automotive user experiences in Limpopo .