Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Career growth

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to strengthen our client’s product development team. You will design and implement advanced electrical systems for next‑generation vehicles, leading innovation and ensuring reliability and performance in harsh automotive environments.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in automotive electrical engineering, expertise in CAN/LIN networks, power electronics, and BMS, and proficiency with CAD tools like AutoCAD

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 6+ years of automotive electrical engineering experience.
• Proven experience with CAN, LIN, and other automotive networks.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical and Altium Designer.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate automotive electrical systems, including wiring harnesses and control modules.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software teams to define system requirements and specs.
• Create detailed electrical schematics and CAD drawings using industry-standard tools.
• Perform component selection and evaluation for performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Conduct root cause analysis for electrical system issues and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee integration and validation of electrical systems during vehicle development and production.
• Mentor junior electrical engineers and provide technical leadership.

Skills

CAN/LIN networks

Electrical system design

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Altium Designer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking automotive manufacturer situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is actively seeking a highly competent Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to enhance their product development team. This role is pivotal in designing and implementing sophisticated electrical systems and components for next-generation vehicles. You will be at the forefront of electrical innovation, contributing to the advancement of automotive technology in the bustling Durban economic hub. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of automotive electrical architectures, power distribution, and control systems. This is a unique chance to influence the electrical future of vehicles, working within a collaborative and results-oriented environment. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives on complex challenges and is eager to drive technological advancements in the automotive sector. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the reliability and performance of our client's electrical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test automotive electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, power distribution units, and control modules.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, software) to define electrical system requirements and specifications.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, CAD drawings, and documentation using industry-standard software.
• Perform component selection and evaluation, ensuring compliance with performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Conduct root cause analysis for electrical system failures and implement effective corrective actions.
• Oversee the integration and validation of electrical systems during vehicle development and production phases in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Stay updated on emerging electrical technologies, standards, and best practices in the automotive industry.
• Mentor junior electrical engineers and provide technical leadership within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in automotive electrical engineering.
• Proven experience in designing and validating automotive electrical systems, including knowledge of CAN, LIN, and other automotive networks.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Altium Designer).
• Strong understanding of automotive power electronics, battery management systems, and charging technologies.
• Experience with simulation tools for electrical systems analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Knowledge of automotive functional safety (ISO 26262) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, extensive health and wellness benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Employees will enjoy a dynamic work environment in Durban, access to advanced technologies, and a supportive team culture. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, a retirement savings plan, and other valuable perks. Join our innovative team and help shape the future of automotive electrical engineering. This position is ideal for an ambitious engineer looking to make a lasting impact in the automotive sector.