Remote Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer to drive the design, development, and validation of electrical architectures and ECUs for cutting-edge automotive applications. The role is fully remote within South Africa, enabling collaboration with global teams.

You will mentor engineers, define architectures, and ensure compliance with ISO 26262 and other standards, while delivering robust, integrated electrical solutions for advanced vehicles.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in automotive electrical design and development, with 2+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, power electronics, and embedded systems.
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, PSpice).
• Experience with CAN, LIN, Ethernet and diagnostic tools; ISO 26262 familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of automotive electrical systems including power distribution and harnesses.
• Oversee ECU development and validation for critical vehicle functions.
• Define electrical architecture ensuring compatibility with vehicle design and requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers for seamless integration.
• Develop and execute test plans for electrical components/systems per industry standards (ISO 26262, AEC-Q).
• Mentor junior engineers and manage remote team contributions.
• Analyze performance, troubleshoot, and implement solutions.
• Stay updated on electrification, autonomous driving, and smart power management.
• Prepare technical documentation and project status updates.

Skills

Electrical leadership

Automotive electrical design

ISO 26262

Altium Designer

PSpice

CAN/LIN/Ethernet

System integration

Education

Master's degree in Electrical or Automotive Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

PSpice

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in automotive electronics and control systems, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Electrical Engineer for a fully remote position. This is an unparalleled opportunity for seasoned professionals to contribute their expertise from any location within South Africa. You will lead a team of talented electrical engineers in the design, development, and validation of cutting-edge electrical architectures and electronic control units (ECUs) for advanced automotive applications. The role is entirely remote, empowering you with the flexibility to work from your chosen environment while collaborating closely with global teams. We are looking for a leader with a deep understanding of automotive electrical systems, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to guide complex projects to successful completion. Join a company that is redefining automotive excellence and offers significant remote career prospects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electrical systems, including power distribution, wiring harnesses, and sensor integration.
• Oversee the development and validation of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for critical vehicle functions.
• Define electrical system architecture, ensuring compatibility with overall vehicle design and functional requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of electrical components.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for electrical components and systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 26262, AEC-Q).
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, fostering their technical growth and project contributions.
• Analyze electrical system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive electrical engineering, including electrification, autonomous driving technologies, and smart power management.
• Prepare and present detailed technical documentation, design reviews, and project status updates to stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively within a remote work setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive electrical system design and development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Strong understanding of automotive electrical architectures, power electronics, and embedded systems.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, PSpice).
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and automotive quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects in a distributed team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits plan and opportunities for professional development and advancement. As a fully remote position, you have the freedom to work from your preferred location in South Africa. You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company that is shaping the future of the automotive industry. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead critical projects and make a significant impact on automotive technology from wherever you are. We support a healthy work-life balance and provide the resources for you to thrive.