Remote Lead Automotive Systems Architect

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay

Bonus potential

Benefits package

Professional development

Conferences (virtual)

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Lead Automotive Systems Architect to design the next generation of vehicle architectures. You will define and evolve the overarching E/E, software, and connectivity framework, leading distributed teams and driving technical direction from a remote-first setup.

You will mentor engineers, establish architectural standards, perform MBSE with SysML/UML, and collaborate with hardware, software, safety, and cybersecurity experts to deliver robust,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 10+ years in automotive systems engineering, with at least 5 in leadership.
• Expert in automotive E/E architectures, CAN, Automotive Ethernet.
• Strong embedded software, microcontrollers, and RTOS.
• Familiar with ISO 26262 and automotive cybersecurity standards.
• Experience with MBSE and SysML/UML.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and remote leadership.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration across distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and maintain the overall system architecture for future automotive platforms.
• Lead architectural design of complex interconnected systems (domain controllers, infotainment, ADAS).
• Establish guidelines and standards for hardware, software and integration.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, safety, and cybersecurity teams for coherent design.
• Identify emerging technologies for future vehicle architectures and evaluate them.
• Oversee system integration and ensure seamless interoperability of components.
• Conduct architectural reviews, risk assessments and trade-off analyses.
• Mentor engineering teams on architectural best practices and technical vision.

Skills

Leadership

Systems architecture

Remote work

E/E architectures

MBSE

SysML/UML

Cybersecurity

Functional safety

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

SysML/UML tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of automotive innovation and is seeking a highly experienced Remote Lead Automotive Systems Architect to design the next generation of vehicle architectures. This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of automotive technology from your home office. You will be responsible for defining and evolving the overarching systems architecture for our vehicles, encompassing electrical, electronic, software, and connectivity domains. This role demands a visionary leader with deep technical expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively with distributed teams. You will drive architectural decisions, ensure system integration, and set the technical direction for complex automotive projects. Our client is committed to a remote-first culture, providing the tools and support needed for you to thrive and make a significant impact on global automotive standards.

Key Responsibilities

Define, develop, and maintain the overall system architecture for future automotive platforms. Lead the architectural design of complex interconnected systems, including domain controllers, infotainment, ADAS, and connectivity modules. Establish architectural principles, guidelines, and standards for hardware, software, and integration. Collaborate with engineering leads across various disciplines (hardware, software, functional safety, cybersecurity) to ensure coherent and robust system design. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies for their potential integration into future vehicle architectures. Oversee the system integration process, ensuring seamless interoperability of all components. Conduct architectural reviews, risk assessments, and trade-off analyses to guide decision-making. Mentor and guide engineering teams on architectural best practices and technical vision. Develop roadmaps for architectural evolution, aligning with product strategy and market trends. Effectively communicate architectural concepts and strategies to technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization.

Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive systems engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior architectural or leadership role. Demonstrated expertise in defining and developing complex automotive system architectures. In-depth knowledge of automotive E/E architectures, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, and related communication protocols. Strong understanding of embedded software development, microcontrollers, and RTOS. Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and automotive cybersecurity standards. Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and tools like SysML/UML. Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, suited for a remote-first environment. Proven ability to lead and inspire engineering teams and drive technical consensus.

Benefits

This fully remote Lead Automotive Systems Architect position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, significant bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and work-life balance, combined with the opportunity to work on revolutionary automotive projects. Our client invests heavily in professional development, offering access to advanced training, industry conferences (virtual or in-person), and opportunities for continuous learning. You will be part of an elite, globally distributed team pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. We foster a culture of innovation and empowerment for our remote workforce. Join a company that is defining the future of mobility and values your strategic leadership.