Principal Automotive Systems Architect

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Health benefits

Generous PTO and holidays

International travel opportunities

R&D facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Automotive Systems Architect for our Pretoria engineering center. This on-site, full-time role guides the overall vehicle architecture across powertrain, chassis, ADAS, and infotainment.

You will drive system-level decisions and align with strategic roadmaps. The ideal candidate has a PhD/Masters with 10+ years in automotive design, expertise in vehicle networks, and a strong background in ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in automotive system design and architecture.
• Expertise across multiple domains: powertrain, chassis, ADAS, infotainment.
• Knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Experience with system modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong focus on functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain high-level architecture for automotive vehicle systems.
• Lead cross-functional teams (electrical, mechanical, software) in integration of components.
• Establish system requirements, specifications, interfaces for domains.
• Analyze interactions, identify risks, optimize performance and safety.
• Develop solutions for vehicle performance, efficiency, safety, connectivity.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for future architectures.
• Ensure compliance with standards (ISO 26262, AUTOSAR).
• Mentor teams on architectural best practices and design principles.
• Communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Systems architecture

Electrical topology

Cross-functional leadership

Autonomous driving

ISO 26262

Cybersecurity

Education

Masters/PhD

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CAPIDM

AUTOSAR

CAN/LIN/Automotive Ethernet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected automotive OEM known for its pioneering spirit and technological advancements, is seeking a Principal Automotive Systems Architect. This **full-time**, on-site role is based at our state-of-the-art engineering center in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**. You will be responsible for defining and driving the overall architecture of complex automotive systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of various subsystems, including powertrain, chassis, ADAS, and infotainment. We are at the forefront of developing next-generation vehicles, with a strong focus on electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving. This position demands a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, electrical systems, software, and hardware interactions. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with extensive experience in automotive system design and a proven ability to translate strategic objectives into robust technical solutions. Join a team dedicated to innovation and shaping the future of automotive engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the high-level architecture for automotive vehicle systems, ensuring alignment with product strategy and technological roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional teams of engineers (electrical, mechanical, software) in the development and integration of system components.
• Establish system requirements, specifications, and interfaces for various automotive domains.
• Analyze complex system interactions and identify potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for optimization.
• Develop technical solutions for challenges related to vehicle performance, efficiency, safety, and connectivity.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their potential application within future vehicle architectures.
• Ensure adherence to automotive industry standards, regulations, and best practices (e.g., ISO 26262, AUTOSAR).
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on architectural best practices and system design principles.
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in automotive system design and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple automotive domains (e.g., powertrain, chassis, ADAS, electrical distribution, infotainment).
• In-depth knowledge of vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Experience with system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, CAPIDM).
• Strong understanding of automotive functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive complex projects to successful completion.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement planning options.
• Significant paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Opportunities for international travel and engagement with global engineering teams.
• Access to world-class R&D facilities and advanced automotive technologies in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**.
• Influence the strategic direction and technological future of a leading automotive brand.