Remote Automotive Software Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive health benefits

Flexible remote environment

Continuous learning opportunities

Global team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Automotive Software Architect to guide the software architecture for next-generation automotive systems, including ADAS, autonomous driving, and connected car technologies. You will influence design decisions, standards, and the scalability and security of complex platforms.

Work with a globally distributed engineering team in a fully remote capacity, collaborating across time zones to deliver robust, safe, and performant software for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development with at least 5 years in architectural/lead roles within automotive.
• Extensive experience designing real-time embedded automotive systems.
• Deep understanding of SDLC, Agile, and CI/CD.
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Python and architectural design patterns.
• Familiarity with automotive protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SOME/IP) and middleware (ROS, AUTOSAR).
• Experience with ADAS, autonomous driving, or connected car technologies.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 26262 and automotive cybersecurity.
• Excellent remote communication and collaboration across time zones.

Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall software architecture for automotive ECUs and vehicle systems.
• Lead the design of software components, interfaces, and data models for interoperability.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and development methodologies.
• Collaborate with systems/hardware teams and product managers to translate requirements into solutions.
• Evaluate and select technologies, frameworks, and tools for automotive software development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Conduct architectural reviews, code inspections, and performance analyses.
• Identify risks in the software development lifecycle and propose mitigations.
• Contribute to technology roadmap and strategic direction for automotive software.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and cybersecurity in remote environments.

Skills

Software architecture

Leadership

Remote collaboration

embedded systems

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/SE/EE

Tools

CAN

Ethernet

SOME/IP

ROS

AUTOSAR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Remote Automotive Software Architect to join their globally distributed engineering team. This role is fundamental to defining and guiding the software architecture for next‑generation automotive systems, focusing on areas such as autonomous driving, connected car technologies, and advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS). You will be responsible for high‑level design decisions, establishing software development standards, and ensuring the scalability, security, and reliability of complex automotive software platforms. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while making a significant impact on the future of mobility. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of software engineering principles within the automotive domain and a passion for driving technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the overall software architecture for automotive ECUs and complex vehicle systems, adhering to industry standards and best practices.
• Lead the design of software components, interfaces, and data models to ensure interoperability and maintainability.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and development methodologies across software engineering teams.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers to translate requirements into robust software solutions.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for automotive software development.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to software development teams, mentoring junior engineers.
• Conduct architectural reviews, code inspections, and performance analyses to ensure software quality and efficiency.
• Identify potential risks and challenges in the software development lifecycle and propose mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the definition of the technology roadmap and strategic direction for automotive software development.
• Ensure software solutions comply with safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and cybersecurity requirements in remote collaboration environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with a minimum of 5 years in an architectural or lead role within the automotive industry.
• Extensive experience designing complex, real‑time embedded systems for automotive applications.
• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C++, Java, Python) and architectural design patterns.
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SOME/IP) and middleware (ROS, AUTOSAR).
• Experience with ADAS, autonomous driving, or connected car technologies is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and automotive cybersecurity.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent remote communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across different time zones and cultures.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, and comprehensive health benefits.
• We provide a flexible work environment that promotes work‑life balance and allows you to contribute from anywhere.
• Employees have access to continuous learning opportunities, cutting‑edge projects, and the chance to shape the future of the automotive industry.
• Our client values innovation, collaboration, and the well‑being of its remote workforce.