Senior Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer - EV Focus

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer with a strong focus on Electric Vehicles (EVs) to join our client’s Durban team. You will design, develop, and integrate electrical systems for next-generation EV powertrains, BMS interfaces, and charging systems.

The role requires expertise in CAN/LIN/Ethernet networks, CAD tools, and ISO 26262 familiarity, with a track record in high-integrity automotive hardware and software development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive electrical systems engineering, with significant EV experience.
• Experience designing and integrating EV powertrain electrical components (motors, inverters, onboard chargers).
• Strong understanding of battery technologies, BMS principles, and safety standards.
• Proficiency with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools.
• Ability to perform detailed electrical analysis including load and thermal analysis; signal integrity.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with automotive functional safety (ISO 26262) is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical system architectures for electric vehicles, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Specify and select automotive-grade electrical components, including power electronics, sensors, actuators, and wiring harnesses.
• Develop and validate BMS hardware and software interfaces for safe battery operation.
• Design and implement charging system interfaces, including AC and DC charging capabilities.
• Integrate and troubleshoot vehicle communication networks such as CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Perform electrical load analysis and thermal management studies for critical components.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for electrical systems, including bench testing and vehicle integration.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams for seamless integration.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and documentation using CAD tools (E3.series, Capital).
• Stay current with evolving EV technologies and industry standards.

Skills

Electrical design

System integration

Schematic capture

PCB design

CAN/LIN/Ethernet

Thermal analysis

Signal integrity

Documentation

Functional safety

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

E3.series

Capital

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary automotive manufacturer, is looking for a talented Senior Automotive Electrical Systems Engineer with a strong focus on Electric Vehicles (EVs) to join their expanding team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This critical position will involve the design, development, and integration of complex electrical systems for next-generation EVs. You will play a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and safety of our innovative electric powertrains, battery management systems, charging infrastructure interfaces, and vehicle networking. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, EV architectures, and a passion for sustainable mobility solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of electric transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical system architectures for electric vehicles, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Specify and select automotive-grade electrical components , including power electronics, sensors, actuators, and wiring harnesses.
• Develop and validate battery management system (BMS) hardware and software interfaces , ensuring safe and efficient battery operation.
• Design and implement charging system interfaces , including AC and DC charging capabilities, adhering to relevant standards.
• Integrate and troubleshoot vehicle communication networks such as CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Perform electrical load analysis and thermal management studies for critical electrical components and systems.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for electrical systems, including bench testing, vehicle integration testing, and system validation.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical components.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and documentation using CAD tools (e.g., E3.series, Capital).
• Stay current with evolving EV technologies and industry standards , driving innovation in electrical system design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive electrical systems engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to Electric Vehicles.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and integrating EV powertrain electrical components (e.g., motors, inverters, onboard chargers).
• Strong understanding of battery technologies , BMS principles, and safety standards.
• Proficiency with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools .
• Ability to perform detailed electrical analysis , including load calculations, thermal analysis, and signal integrity.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with automotive functional safety (ISO 26262) is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to your skills and experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits scheme that includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth are actively encouraged within a supportive work environment in Durban. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.