Lead Powertrain Software Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Profit-sharing opportunities

R&D facilities in Cape Town

Professional development & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Powertrain Software Engineer to guide embedded software design for ECUs, BMS, and vehicle control modules.

You will lead a cross-functional team, drive AUTOSAR/ISO 26262 compliant processes, and mentor engineers while delivering high-performance software for electric, hybrid, and combustion engines.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of embedded software experience in automotive powertrains.
• Experience leading software teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the software development lifecycle for powertrain control systems from concept to production.
• Design, implement, and validate embedded software for ECUs, BMS, and hybrid/EV control modules.
• Develop and optimize control algorithms for fuel efficiency, emissions, and performance.
• Collaborate with hardware and system engineers to ensure integrated performance.
• Define software architecture, requirements, and detailed technical specifications.
• Perform testing, debugging, and validation using simulation, HIL, and vehicle tests.
• Ensure compliance with AUTOSAR, ISO 26262 and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical direction.

Skills

C/C++ (embedded)

RTOS

AUTOSAR

Powertrain control

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/EE

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering automotive technology company, is seeking an experienced Lead Powertrain Software Engineer. This full-time role is based at our advanced R&D facility in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated software solutions for cutting-edge automotive powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engines. We are dedicated to engineering the future of sustainable and high-performance mobility, and your expertise will be critical in driving innovation in this domain. This position requires a deep understanding of embedded systems, control algorithms, and software development best practices within the automotive sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a passion for automotive engineering excellence. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to making a significant impact on the automotive industry, contributing to the development of revolutionary powertrain technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the software development lifecycle for automotive powertrain control systems, from concept to production.
• Design, implement, and validate embedded software for engine control units (ECUs), battery management systems (BMS), and hybrid/electric vehicle control modules.
• Develop and optimize control algorithms for fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and performance enhancement.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, system engineers, and vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless software and hardware performance.
• Define software architecture, develop requirements, and create detailed technical specifications.
• Perform software testing, debugging, and validation using simulation tools, HIL benches, and vehicle testing.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262) and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, providing technical direction and code reviews.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in powertrain technology and software development methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in embedded software development, with a strong focus on automotive powertrains.
• Proven experience in leading software development teams and projects.
• Expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• In-depth knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and automotive software architectures (e.g., AUTOSAR).
• Experience with powertrain control strategies, including combustion engine management, EV/HEV control, or battery management.
• Proficiency with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Strong understanding of automotive functional safety (ISO 26262).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking automotive technologies that shape the future.
• Access to advanced R&D facilities and cutting-edge tools in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Professional development programs, training, and conference attendance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Be part of a world-class team driving automotive innovation.