Lead Automotive Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Health and dental insurance

Generous PTO

International travel opportunities

R&D facility access

Retirement savings with company match

Professional development budget

Employee stock option program

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, SA, seeks a Lead Automotive Systems Engineer to guide design, development, and integration of advanced vehicle systems. You will lead a team through concept, simulation, prototyping, testing, and production to ensure performance and reliability across subsystems.

Based in our Mahikeng innovation hub with hybrid work options, the role demands leadership, deep automotive engineering expertise, and a passion for advancing mobility.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive systems design and development.
• Experience leading engineering teams on complex projects.
• Expertise in powertrain control, vehicle dynamics, active safety, infotainment, etc.
• Proficiency with simulation/modeling tools: MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, GT-SUITE.
• Strong knowledge of automotive standards ISO 26262, AUTOSAR.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with agile development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automotive engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Define system architecture and design specifications for complex automotive subsystems (e.g., powertrain, chassis, ADAS).
• Oversee the development lifecycle from concept and simulation to prototyping, testing, and validation.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance for successful launches.
• Develop and implement rigorous testing protocols and validation procedures for performance, safety, and reliability.
• Identify and integrate emerging automotive technologies to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges during development and production.
• Document designs, test results, and progress; contribute to technology roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Agile

Education

Master's or PhD in Automotive/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS

GT-SUITE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering automotive technology firm operating in Mahikeng, North West, ZA , is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Systems Engineer. This senior position is crucial for driving innovation in the design, development, and integration of next-generation automotive systems. You will be responsible for leading a team of talented engineers, overseeing projects from conceptualization through to production, and ensuring the seamless performance and reliability of complex vehicle components. This role requires a blend of strong technical expertise, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of automotive engineering principles. The ideal candidate will be passionate about shaping the future of mobility and possess a proven track record of delivering high-quality engineering solutions within demanding timelines. You will be based primarily in our Mahikeng innovation hub, with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements to foster work-life balance. This is a chance to make a significant impact on groundbreaking automotive projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automotive engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Define system architecture and design specifications for complex automotive subsystems (e.g., powertrain, chassis, ADAS).
• Oversee the development lifecycle of automotive systems, from initial concept and simulation to prototyping, testing, and validation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure alignment and successful product launches.
• Develop and implement rigorous testing protocols and validation procedures to guarantee system performance, safety, and reliability.
• Identify and integrate emerging automotive technologies to enhance vehicle capabilities and efficiency.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges encountered during development and production phases.
• Document technical designs, test results, and project progress comprehensively.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmap development for future automotive systems.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in automotive systems design and development.
• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in one or more key automotive systems (e.g., powertrain control, vehicle dynamics, active safety systems, infotainment).
• Proficiency with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, GT-SUITE).
• Strong understanding of automotive standards (e.g., ISO 26262, AUTOSAR).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office collaboration.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Professional development budget for conferences and certifications.
• Employee stock option program.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to the Mahikeng area.