Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer - EV Powertrain

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health, dental, and retirement

Generous paid time off

Professional development & conferences

Work on groundbreaking EV technology

Contribution to sustainable transport

Job summary

Placements24 client, a leading automotive manufacturer in South Africa, seeks a Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer (EV Powertrain) to join the Kimberley team on-site. You will design and validate high-voltage systems, BMS, motors, and power electronics.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in automotive electrical engineering, strong problem-solving, and collaboration across mechanical, software and test teams to deliver robust EV powertrain solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
• 6+ years of automotive electrical engineering experience focusing on EV powertrain development.
• Experience with high-voltage systems, battery technology, motors and power electronics.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-voltage electrical systems for EV powertrains (batteries, inverters, converters, onboard chargers).
• Specify and integrate electric motors, gearboxes and related power electronics components.
• Develop and validate BMS hardware and software requirements.

Skills

EV powertrains

High-voltage systems

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering or Power Electronics

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Electrical CAD tools

Data acquisition systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge automotive manufacturer at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) technology, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer specializing in EV Powertrain to join their team in Kimberley . This on-site role is crucial for the development and integration of advanced electrical systems within electric powertrains. You will be responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of high-voltage systems, battery management systems (BMS), electric motors, and power electronics. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of EV architecture, power electronics, and embedded control systems, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and testing personnel, to deliver innovative and reliable EV powertrain solutions. We are looking for a driven engineer passionate about sustainable mobility and committed to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our electric vehicle offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-voltage electrical systems for EV powertrains, including battery packs, inverters, converters, and onboard chargers.


• Specify and integrate electric motors, gearboxes, and related power electronics components.


• Develop and validate Battery Management System (BMS) hardware and software requirements.


• Perform detailed electrical analysis, including power flow, thermal management, and EMC compatibility.


• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring harnesses, and component layouts.


• Collaborate with software engineers to develop and test control strategies for EV powertrain components.


• Support vehicle integration activities, ensuring seamless communication and functionality between powertrain components and the wider vehicle network.


• Develop and execute rigorous testing and validation plans for EV powertrain electrical systems.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical issues encountered during development, testing, and production.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in EV technology, battery chemistry, and power electronics.


• Contribute to defining product roadmaps and technology strategies for future EV powertrains.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automotive electrical engineering, with a strong focus on EV powertrain development.


• Proven experience with high-voltage systems, battery technology, electric motors, and power electronics.


• Proficiency in using electrical CAD tools, simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), and data acquisition systems.


• Understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.


• Experience with BMS hardware and software development is highly desirable.


• Must be able to work on-site in Kimberley .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits package.


• Generous paid time off and vacation allowance.


• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and attending industry conferences.


• Work on groundbreaking EV technology with a leading manufacturer.


• Be a key contributor to the future of sustainable transportation in South Africa .