Senior Auto Systems Architect — Hybrid, Global Travel

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Health and dental insurance

Generous PTO

International travel opportunities

R&D facility access

Retirement savings with company match

Professional development budget

Employee stock option program

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, SA, seeks a Lead Automotive Systems Engineer to guide design, development, and integration of advanced vehicle systems. You will lead a team through concept, simulation, prototyping, testing, and production to ensure performance and reliability across subsystems.

Based in our Mahikeng innovation hub with hybrid work options, the role demands leadership, deep automotive engineering expertise, and a passion for advancing mobility.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive systems design and development.
• Experience leading engineering teams on complex projects.
• Expertise in powertrain control, vehicle dynamics, active safety, infotainment, etc.
• Proficiency with simulation/modeling tools: MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, GT-SUITE.
• Strong knowledge of automotive standards ISO 26262, AUTOSAR.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with agile development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automotive engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Define system architecture and design specifications for complex automotive subsystems (e.g., powertrain, chassis, ADAS).
• Oversee the development lifecycle from concept and simulation to prototyping, testing, and validation.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance for successful launches.
• Develop and implement rigorous testing protocols and validation procedures for performance, safety, and reliability.
• Identify and integrate emerging automotive technologies to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges during development and production.
• Document designs, test results, and progress; contribute to technology roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Agile

Education

Master's or PhD in Automotive/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS

GT-SUITE

Job description

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, SA, seeks a Lead Automotive Systems Engineer to guide design, development, and integration of advanced vehicle systems. You will lead a team through concept, simulation, prototyping, testing, and production to ensure performance and reliability across subsystems.

Based in our Mahikeng innovation hub with hybrid work options, the role demands leadership, deep automotive engineering expertise, and a passion for advancing mobility.