Remote Automotive Software Architect - Centurion

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote-first / flexible work

Professional growth opportunities

Cutting-edge tools & tech

Centurion-based anchoring

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Automotive Software Architect to shape the future of vehicle software. This fully remote role, based out of Centurion, Gauteng, requires no physical presence there and focuses on defining the architectural roadmap for in-vehicle infotainment and connectivity systems.

You will lead architectural design across distributed teams, drive secure, scalable software designs, and mentor engineering groups while aligning with product roadmaps and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in software development with at least 5 years in an architectural role in automotive.
• Extensive experience with embedded Linux, RTOS (QNX, AUTOSAR), and C/C++.
• Deep understanding of automotive protocols (CAN, Automotive Ethernet, SOME/IP).
• Proven experience designing complex distributed systems and microservices.
• Familiarity with software security principles and automotive cybersecurity standards.
• Experience with cloud integration (AWS, Azure) for automotive applications is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills in distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the overall software architecture for in-vehicle infotainment, connectivity, and ADAS.
• Define software strategies, standards, and best practices for embedded automotive software development.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware engineering, and other software teams to define software requirements and roadmaps.
• Lead the technical design of software modules, interfaces, and data flows.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, security, and performance of the software architecture.
• Evaluate and select technologies, tools, and frameworks for software development.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to software development teams.
• Contribute to automated testing and CI/CD pipelines for embedded software.
• Research emerging trends and present architectural recommendations.

Skills

Embedded Linux

RTOS (QNX AUTOSAR)

C/C++

Automotive protocols CAN, Automotive-E

Distributed systems

Microservices architectures

Security principles & automotive cyber

Cloud integration (AWS, Azure)

Leadership & collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/SE

Tools

QNX

AUTOSAR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of automotive innovation and is seeking a highly experienced Remote Automotive Software Architect to shape the future of vehicle software. This critical, fully remote role based out of **Centurion, Gauteng** (though requiring no physical presence there) will involve defining and overseeing the architectural roadmap for our next-generation in-vehicle infotainment and connectivity systems. You will be instrumental in designing scalable, robust, and secure software architectures that power the connected car experience. This position demands a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), automotive communication protocols, and modern software development practices. As a Software Architect, you will collaborate with distributed engineering teams globally, ensuring architectural consistency and technical excellence across all software components. We are looking for a visionary leader who can translate complex business requirements into elegant and efficient software designs, driving innovation in a remote-first setting. This role is perfect for a seasoned professional who thrives on complex challenges and possesses exceptional leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the overall software architecture for in-vehicle infotainment, connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
• Define software strategies, standards, and best practices for embedded automotive software development.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware engineering, and other software teams to define software requirements and roadmaps.
• Lead the technical design of software modules, interfaces, and data flows.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, security, and performance of the software architecture.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, tools, and frameworks for software development.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to software development teams.
• Contribute to the development of automated testing and CI/CD pipelines for embedded software.
• Research emerging trends and technologies in automotive software and present architectural recommendations.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in an architectural role within the automotive industry.
• Extensive experience with embedded Linux, RTOS (e.g., QNX, AUTOSAR), and C/C++.
• Deep understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, Automotive Ethernet, SOME/IP).
• Proven experience designing complex distributed systems and microservices architectures.
• Familiarity with software security principles and automotive cybersecurity standards.
• Experience with cloud integration (e.g., AWS, Azure) for automotive applications is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with experience working in distributed teams.
• Ability to think strategically and translate high-level concepts into actionable technical plans.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Our client provides a flexible work environment, empowering you to work from anywhere within South Africa while contributing to cutting-edge automotive technology.
• You will have access to industry-leading development tools and opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.
• This role is ideal for a senior software architect looking for a challenging and rewarding remote career opportunity.
• The Centurion, Gauteng anchor reflects the company's strong presence in South Africa, even for remote roles.