Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer - R&D and Innovation

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical and retirement plans

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer for a fully remote R&D role. You will lead the design and development of advanced automotive electrical systems, shaping electrification, connectivity, and autonomous drive initiatives from anywhere, including Soweto, Gauteng.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with 7+ years in automotive electrical engineering, and is proficient in SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 7+ years in automotive electrical systems engineering, with R&D focus.
• Experience with electrical architectures, power electronics, BMS, charging systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electrical systems and components.
• Define system requirements, architecture, and specifications for electrical/electronic systems.
• Develop and prototype circuits, control modules, and power distribution.
• Conduct feasibility studies and simulations for new concepts.
• Collaborate with embedded software engineers to integrate hardware and software.
• Test and validate electrical systems for performance, reliability and safety.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical growth of the R&D team.

Skills

Automotive electrical systems

CAN/LIN/Ethernet networking

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SPICE

MATLAB/Simulink

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of automotive innovation and is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to join their remote R&D team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking projects from anywhere. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and developing advanced electrical systems and components for future vehicles. The role requires deep technical expertise in electrical engineering principles, a strong understanding of automotive electrical architectures, and a proven ability to drive innovation in areas such as electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving. As a Senior Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in guiding research efforts and collaborating with a globally distributed team of experts. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of automotive technology from the comfort of your home office, contributing to our ongoing advancements in Soweto, Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, and development of novel automotive electrical systems and components.
• Define system requirements, architecture, and specifications for advanced electrical and electronic systems.
• Develop and prototype electrical circuits, control modules, and power distribution systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and simulations for new electrical system concepts.
• Collaborate closely with embedded software engineers to integrate hardware and software functionalities.
• Perform rigorous testing and validation of electrical systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges encountered during the R&D process.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, design documentation, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging electrical engineering technologies, automotive trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the overall technical growth of the R&D team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in automotive electrical systems engineering, with a focus on R&D and innovation.
• Deep understanding of automotive electrical architectures, including power electronics, battery management systems (BMS), charging systems, and vehicle networking (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Proven experience in designing and developing complex electrical circuits and systems.
• Proficiency in using simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) and CAD software for electrical design.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in remote, cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and drive innovation.
• A genuine passion for automotive technology and its future evolution.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including top-tier medical and retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses. As this is a remote role, you benefit from the flexibility of working from home, contributing to our innovative projects without geographical constraints. You will be part of a forward-thinking R&D team, pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. We provide opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and exposure to cutting-edge industry advancements. Join our globally distributed team and make a significant impact on the future of mobility.