Senior Automotive Performance Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Advanced testing facilities

Competitive salary and incentives

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 represents an automotive R&D leader in East London seeking a Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to optimize vehicle performance from simulation to calibration and validation. Hybrid work model and cross-functional collaboration are offered.

Sharing expertise in vehicle dynamics and powertrain technologies, you will lead testing programs, analyze data, and drive continuous improvement across the development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• Significant experience in automotive performance engineering.
• Proven expertise in vehicle dynamics and powertrain control.

Responsibilities

• Design strategies to enhance vehicle performance (acceleration, braking, handling, fuel efficiency).
• Conduct performance testing with dynamometers, track tests and real-world driving.
• Analyze test data to identify bottlenecks and improvements.
• Calibrate engine management, transmission, and chassis control systems.
• Utilize MATLAB/Simulink for performance modeling and prediction.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing and testing teams to meet targets.
• Troubleshoot performance-related issues and provide reports.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Powertrain engineering

Control systems

Data acquisition

MATLAB/Simulink

Analytical skills

Independence & leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Data acquisition systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive research and development firm in East London , is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Automotive Performance Engineer . This challenging role focuses on optimizing vehicle performance, including engine efficiency, dynamics, and overall driving experience. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of vehicle development, from simulation and testing to calibration and validation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain technologies, and advanced testing methodologies. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and contributing to the development of high-performance vehicles. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement strategies to enhance vehicle performance metrics such as acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel efficiency.
• Conduct comprehensive performance testing using dynamometers, track testing, and real-world driving evaluations.
• Analyze test data to identify performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Develop and calibrate engine management systems, transmission control units, and chassis control systems.
• Utilize advanced simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) for performance modeling and prediction.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure performance targets are met.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex performance-related issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automotive performance technology and testing techniques.
• Prepare detailed reports on performance test results and recommendations.
• Mentor junior engineers and share expertise in vehicle dynamics and performance tuning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience as an Automotive Performance Engineer or in a similar role.
• Proven expertise in vehicle dynamics, powertrain engineering, and control systems.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and performance analysis software.
• Experience with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink is essential.
• Strong understanding of engine and transmission control strategies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical investigations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with motorsport or high-performance vehicle development is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work on exciting and technically demanding vehicle performance projects.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Access to advanced testing facilities and equipment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Join a leading automotive R&D center in East London .