Senior Automotive Electronics Engineer

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health, dental, vision insurance

Generous annual leave

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & career\u00a

East London location

Collaborative engineering environment

Global presence

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Electronics Engineer to lead design, development and validation of ECUs and vehicle electronic systems in East London. The role emphasizes microcontroller-based hardware, firmware in C/C++, and collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams.

You will work on CAN/LIN/SPI/I2C networks, ensure ISO 26262 compliance, and contribute to cutting-edge automotive electronics technology in a globally supported environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of automotive electronics hardware and firmware experience.
• Proficiency with electronics design tools (Altium/Cadence).
• Strong embedded C/C++ programming experience.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive protocols (CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C).
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 functional safety and IATF 16949 quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive electronic hardware including PCB layout and circuit design.
• Specify and integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and other components.
• Develop and validate firmware for ECUs in C/C++; test and debug hardware/software.
• Work with CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C automotive communication protocols.
• Collaborate with systems, software and mechanical engineers for integrated solutions.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Microcontroller design

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Electrical/ Electronics

Tools

Altium Designer

Cadence Allegro

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in automotive component manufacturing, is seeking a Senior Automotive Electronics Engineer to join their advanced engineering division in East London. This position is critical for the design, development, and validation of complex electronic control units (ECUs) and electronic systems for next-generation vehicles. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in electronics design, microcontrollers, sensor integration, and automotive communication protocols. You will contribute to innovative projects that enhance vehicle performance, safety, and functionality. This role offers a significant career opportunity for experienced electronics engineers looking to excel in the automotive sector. The East London location provides a strategic base for contributing to the region's automotive manufacturing landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive electronic hardware, including PCB layout, component selection, and circuit design.
• Specify and integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and other electronic components.
• Develop and validate firmware for electronic control units (ECUs) in C/C++.
• Work with automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, SPI, and I2C.
• Conduct hardware and software testing, debugging, and troubleshooting of electronic systems.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software developers, and mechanical engineers to ensure integrated solutions.
• Perform design reviews, failure analysis, and risk assessments for electronic components and systems.
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and functional safety requirements (e.g., ISO 26262).
• Stay current with emerging electronics technologies and automotive industry trends.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and project status updates.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive electronics hardware and firmware development.
• Proficiency in electronics design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro).
• Strong experience with microcontroller-based system design and embedded C/C++ programming.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive communication protocols and diagnostic standards.
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) principles and practices.
• Experience with testing and validation methodologies for automotive electronics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and mitigation is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and contributions.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and holiday allowances.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Work with cutting-edge automotive electronics technology in East London.
• A collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
• Potential to join a leading automotive supplier with a strong global presence.