Principal Automotive Systems Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health coverage

Stock options

Professional development budget

Remote-first culture

Home office stipend

Conferences & events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Automotive Systems Engineer to architect and integrate complex vehicle systems. You will guide technical strategy, mentor teams, and ensure seamless subsystems integration across powertrain, chassis, electrical, and software domains from a remote setting.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in automotive systems engineering, strong MBSE and SysML expertise, and proven leadership in distributed teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years in automotive systems engineering with proven architecture and integration track record.
• Deep understanding of vehicle architectures across powertrain, chassis, electrical, and software.

Responsibilities

• Define and architect integrated vehicle systems with cohesive functionality and performance.
• Lead technical direction from concept through validation and production support.
• Develop and maintain system requirements, interface specs, and documentation.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and mechanical teams for system integration.
• Oversee system-level testing, validation, and performance analysis.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with partners and suppliers.
• Stay ahead of automotive tech trends and identify strategic opportunities.

Skills

SysML

MBSE

DOORS

Systems engineering

Leadership

Remote work

CAN

Automotive Ethernet

ISO 26262

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical/Mechanical Eng or CS

Tools

SysML

MBSE

DOORS

CAN

Automotive Ethernet

ISO 26262

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized automotive technology provider, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Automotive Systems Engineer to join their advanced engineering division. This role is central to defining, architecting, and implementing complex vehicle systems across a range of cutting-edge automotive platforms. Based remotely, you will leverage your extensive expertise to guide technical strategy, mentor engineering teams, and ensure the seamless integration of diverse automotive subsystems. This is a unique opportunity to work on transformative projects, shaping the future of mobility from the comfort of your home office. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of vehicle integration and a passion for innovation. The company champions a remote-first culture, providing robust support for its distributed workforce and fostering collaboration across geographical boundaries. Your contributions will directly influence the development of next-generation vehicles, driving performance, efficiency, and user experience to new heights.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and architect integrated vehicle systems, ensuring cohesive functionality and performance across all subsystems.
• Lead the technical direction for system development, from concept definition through to validation and production support.
• Develop and maintain system requirements, interface specifications, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (software, hardware, mechanical) to ensure successful system integration.
• Oversee system-level testing, validation, and performance analysis, identifying and resolving complex issues.
• Mentor and guide junior and senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with partners and suppliers.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive technologies and industry trends, identifying opportunities for strategic implementation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive systems engineering, with a proven track record in complex system architecture and integration.
• Deep understanding of vehicle architectures, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and software domains.
• Expertise in systems engineering methodologies and tools (e.g., SysML, MBSE, DOORS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle multifaceted technical challenges.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with experience mentoring technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) and functional safety standards (ISO 26262).

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus potential.
• Comprehensive global health coverage.
• Generous stock options or equity participation.
• Significant professional development budget and opportunities for advanced training.
• Flexible work hours and a true remote-first working environment.
• Company-provided home office setup and technology stipend.
• Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences and events.
• Focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.