Senior Automotive Performance Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Comprehensive health and wellness bene

Generous paid time off

Advanced training and development

Access to testing facilities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to drive vehicle dynamics through powertrain, suspension, and braking optimization. You will tune, test, and develop systems using ECU calibration tools, data acquisition, and rigorous analysis to push performance and reliability for high‑performance vehicles.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with powertrain and chassis teams, and contribute to advanced testing facilities and development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive performance engineering with a strong focus on vehicle dynamics and powertrain optimization.
• Proven experience with engine control units (ECUs), calibration tools (ETAS, dSPACE), and data acquisition systems.
• In-depth knowledge of vehicle dynamics, including suspension kinematics, tire mechanics, and aerodynamic effects.
• Experience with motorsport or high-performance vehicle development is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to work on-site in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance vehicle performance, including engine tuning, suspension calibration, and brake system optimization.
• Conduct comprehensive performance testing on dynamometers and proving grounds, utilizing advanced data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions for performance-related issues.
• Collaborate with powertrain engineers to optimize engine and transmission control strategies for maximum power output and efficiency.
• Work with chassis engineers to fine-tune suspension and steering systems for superior handling and stability.
• Ensure vehicle performance meets or exceeds design specifications and customer expectations.
• Stay updated on the latest automotive performance technologies, trends, and competitor analysis.
• Prepare detailed reports on test findings, performance metrics, and recommended actions.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on performance engineering principles.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Data analysis

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Tools

ECUs

ETAS

dSPACE

DAQ systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic automotive development company, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to join their team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role focuses on enhancing vehicle performance through meticulous tuning, testing, and development of powertrain, suspension, and braking systems. You will be instrumental in achieving optimal vehicle dynamics, acceleration, and handling characteristics for a range of high-performance vehicles. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, engine mapping, and data acquisition systems. Working closely with a dedicated team of engineers, you will contribute to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for a performance-driven individual to make a significant impact within the automotive sector in Vereeniging, Gauteng . Our client is committed to professional growth and provides ample opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance vehicle performance, including engine tuning, suspension calibration, and brake system optimization.


• Conduct comprehensive performance testing on dynamometers and proving grounds, utilizing advanced data acquisition systems.


• Analyze test data to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions for performance-related issues.


• Collaborate with powertrain engineers to optimize engine and transmission control strategies for maximum power output and efficiency.


• Work with chassis engineers to fine-tune suspension and steering systems for superior handling and stability.


• Ensure vehicle performance meets or exceeds design specifications and customer expectations.


• Stay updated on the latest automotive performance technologies, trends, and competitor analysis.


• Prepare detailed reports on test findings, performance metrics, and recommended actions.


• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on performance engineering principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive performance engineering, with a strong focus on vehicle dynamics and powertrain optimization.


• Proven experience with engine control units (ECUs), calibration tools (e.g., ETAS, dSPACE), and data acquisition systems.


• In-depth knowledge of vehicle dynamics, including suspension kinematics, tire mechanics, and aerodynamic effects.


• Experience with motorsport or high-performance vehicle development is highly desirable.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.


• Must be able to work on-site in Vereeniging, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.


• Generous paid time off and company holidays.


• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.


• Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and equipment.


• Employee discounts on vehicles and performance parts.


• A challenging and rewarding work environment in Vereeniging, Gauteng .