Senior Automotive Performance Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

International travel opportunities

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to enhance vehicle dynamics through advanced design and rigorous testing. You will drive powertrain calibration, suspension tuning, and braking system optimization using immersive simulation and real-world testing.

Collaborating with cross‑functional teams, you will develop specifications, test plans, and performance reports while staying ahead of industry trends.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in mechanical/automotive engineering.
• 6+ years in automotive performance engineering or vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with vehicle dynamics, suspension design, and powertrain calibration.
• Proficient with simulation tools and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate performance systems (powertrain, suspension, braking).
• Conduct performance testing on proving grounds and public roads.
• Model vehicle dynamics using MATLAB/Simulink and Adams.
• Collaborate with chassis, powertrain, and aero teams to hit targets.
• Develop test plans, specs, and performance reports.
• Stay current with industry trends in automotive performance.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Suspension design

Powertrain calibration

Simulation software

Data acquisition

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Automotive Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Adams

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to join their dynamic engineering team. This role focuses on enhancing the performance, handling, and overall driving dynamics of vehicles through innovative design and rigorous testing. You will work on challenging projects, from concept development to production validation, utilizing advanced simulation tools and real-world testing methodologies. This hybrid position allows for dedicated remote work for complex analysis and design, complemented by essential on-site collaboration for vehicle testing and dynamic evaluations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to performance engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate vehicle performance systems, including powertrain calibration, suspension tuning, and braking systems.
• Conduct comprehensive performance testing on proving grounds and public roads, analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.
• Utilize simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Adams) to model and predict vehicle dynamics and performance characteristics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chassis, powertrain, and aerodynamics engineers, to achieve performance targets.
• Develop and document technical specifications, test plans, and performance reports.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive performance and vehicle dynamics.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automotive performance engineering or vehicle dynamics.
• Expertise in vehicle dynamics principles, suspension design, and powertrain calibration.
• Proficiency with simulation software and data acquisition systems used in automotive testing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with experience working in a hybrid or collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for international travel to testing facilities.
• Professional development funding and support for advanced certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge testing equipment and technologies.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment focused on automotive excellence.