Principal Automotive Systems Architect (Remote)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,600,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Executive compensation package

Stock options

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Automotive Systems Architect to join their remote-only engineering team. You will define the overall system architecture for next-generation mobility platforms, integrating hardware, software, and vehicle subsystems.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive architectural standards, and collaborate with experts in electrification, ADAS, and cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive automotive systems engineering and architecture.
• Proven track record delivering complex automotive systems from concept to production.
• Deep understanding of automotive architectures (powertrain, body control, infotainment, ADAS, connectivity).
• Knowledge of automotive software development processes and AUTOSAR.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles in automotive systems.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking with problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams in a remote setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Remote work setup with reliable high-speed internet; ideally near Randburg, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall automotive systems architecture, including hardware, software, and networks.
• Lead architectural design of complex vehicle systems for scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Translate business and technical requirements into architectural specifications.
• Evaluate technologies and platforms to meet future automotive needs.
• Collaborate with domain experts in electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity, and cybersecurity.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams across disciplines.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for architectural challenges.
• Champion best practices and ensure standards adherence throughout development.
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmap and strategic planning.
• Communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Automotive Systems Architect to join their fully remote, world-class engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to define and guide the architectural direction of our client's future automotive platforms and technologies. You will be instrumental in designing the overarching systems architecture, ensuring seamless integration of hardware, software, and various vehicle subsystems. This role demands a deep understanding of automotive engineering principles, complex system design, and emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive experience to make critical architectural decisions, drive innovation, and set technical standards across multiple engineering disciplines. We are looking for a strategic thinker with exceptional technical leadership capabilities who thrives in a collaborative, remote-first environment and is passionate about shaping the future of mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall automotive systems architecture, including hardware, software, and network interfaces.
• Lead the architectural design of complex vehicle systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Translate business and technical requirements into robust architectural specifications.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and platforms to meet future automotive needs.
• Collaborate closely with domain experts in areas such as electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity, and cybersecurity.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams across various disciplines.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies for architectural challenges.
• Champion architectural best practices and ensure adherence to standards throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the long-term technology roadmap and strategic planning.
• Effectively communicate complex architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive systems engineering and architecture.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering complex automotive systems from concept to production.
• Deep understanding of automotive architectures, including powertrain, body control, infotainment, ADAS, and connectivity.
• Extensive knowledge of automotive software development processes, standards (e.g., AUTOSAR), and tools.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles and their application in automotive systems.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional engineering teams in a remote setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have a suitable remote work setup with reliable high-speed internet access, ideally based in or near Randburg, Gauteng, ZA, for occasional team collaborations.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including base salary and performance bonuses.
• Stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Full remote work flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.
• Lead critical projects shaping the future of the automotive industry.