Principal Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

International collaboration

Leadership development

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Principal Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer to lead the design, development, calibration, and validation of advanced internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains at our Pretoria R&D center. You will steer strategies, mentor engineers, and drive cross-functional deployment with global teams.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering, 12+ years in powertrain development, and expertise in GT-SUITE, AVL BOOST, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain development, with lead/principal role.
• Extensive knowledge of internal combustion engines, thermodynamics, and emissions control.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, calibration, and validation of advanced automotive powertrain systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).
• Define development strategies and roadmaps considering future technologies.
• Oversee projects from concept to production with on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Mentor powertrain engineers and foster innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless deployment.
• Analyze powertrain performance data and identify root causes; implement robust solutions.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with suppliers, partners, and regulators.
• Stay abreast of powertrain tech advances and evaluate new concepts for integration.
• Maintain technical documentation and IP related to powertrain development in Pretoria.

Skills

Team leadership

Powertrain development

Hybrid/EV powertrains

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication

System engineering

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

GT-SUITE

AVL BOOST

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in automotive manufacturing, is seeking an accomplished Principal Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer to join their advanced research and development center located in Pretoria, Gauteng . This senior role is critical for defining the future direction of powertrain technology, focusing on innovation in engine performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction. You will lead complex projects, mentor a team of talented engineers, and collaborate with international R&D departments. This is a hybrid role, allowing for focused work both within our client's state-of-the-art facilities in Pretoria and from a remote setting. Your expertise will drive the development of cutting-edge powertrain solutions that meet stringent global standards and consumer demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, calibration, and validation of advanced automotive powertrain systems (internal combustion engines, hybrid, and electric powertrains).
• Define powertrain development strategies and roadmaps, considering future technologies and market trends.
• Oversee complex engineering projects from concept to production, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Mentor and guide a team of powertrain engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including vehicle integration, manufacturing, and purchasing, to ensure seamless powertrain deployment.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of powertrain performance data, identifying root causes of issues and implementing robust solutions.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with suppliers, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Stay at the forefront of powertrain technology advancements, evaluating new concepts and methodologies for integration.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and intellectual property related to powertrain development in Pretoria .

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain development, with a significant portion in a lead or principal engineering role.
• Extensive knowledge of internal combustion engine principles, thermodynamics, and emissions control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain architectures and battery management systems.
• Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, AVL BOOST, MATLAB/Simulink) and data acquisition systems.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience within the South African automotive industry, particularly in the Gauteng region, is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a generous base salary, annual bonus, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a lucrative retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for international collaboration, advanced technical training, and leadership development are abundant.
• The hybrid work model promotes work-life balance, and the dynamic environment in Pretoria encourages innovation and professional growth.