Senior Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & development

Annual leave & wellness

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer to lead calibration of gasoline and diesel powertrains. You will tune ECUs, analyze data, and validate calibrations using dynamometers and vehicle testing to optimize performance, fuel economy and emissions.

Strong problem-solving and teamwork are essential for this role. The ideal candidate has 6+ years of hands-on calibration experience, proficiency with INCA/ETAS/ECU-TEST, and a solid background in engine

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related field.
• At least 6 years hands-on automotive powertrain calibration experience.
• Proficient with INCA, ETAS and ECU-TEST calibration tools.
• Strong knowledge of engine principles, combustion and emissions formation.
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis software (AVL Concerto, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Familiarity with emissions testing procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and diagnostic skills; strong teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple calibration tasks independently.
• Experience with hybrid or electric powertrains is a plus.
• Eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute calibration strategies for powertrains.
• Calibrate engine parameters for performance, drivability, and emissions.
• Use dynamometers and vehicle testing for calibration development and validation.
• Analyze performance and emissions data to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with engine design teams to define calibration needs.
• Maintain calibration documentation and maps.
• Ensure compliance with local and international emissions standards.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement calibration solutions.
• Stay current with powertrain technologies and tools.
• Mentor junior calibration engineers.

Skills

Powertrain calibration

ECU tuning

Data analysis

Diagnostics

Hybrid powertrains

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering

Related discipline

Tools

INCA

ETAS

ECU-TEST

AVL Concerto

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automotive innovation, is seeking a highly proficient Senior Automotive Powertrain Calibration Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves the meticulous tuning and calibration of engine control units (ECUs) to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions across a range of vehicle models. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of internal combustion engine principles, electronic control systems, and calibration tools. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our client's powertrains meet rigorous performance targets and regulatory standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to the development of high-caliber automotive products within the dynamic industrial landscape of Durban . We are looking for a results-oriented individual with exceptional analytical skills and a passion for automotive engineering excellence. The role requires hands‑on experience with dynamometers, emissions testing equipment, and real-world vehicle testing. A strong grasp of diagnostic tools and data logging is essential, as is the ability to interpret complex data sets to make informed calibration decisions. Your expertise will directly influence the driving experience and environmental impact of our client's vehicles, making this a highly rewarding position.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute calibration strategies for gasoline and diesel powertrains.
• Calibrate engine parameters to achieve optimal performance, drivability, fuel economy, and emissions targets.
• Utilize engine dynamometers, chassis dynamometers, and vehicle testing for calibration development and validation.
• Analyze engine performance data and emissions data to identify areas for improvement and implement calibration changes.
• Work closely with engine design and development teams to provide feedback on calibration requirements.
• Develop and maintain calibration documentation, including strategy descriptions and parameter maps.
• Ensure compliance with local and international emissions regulations (e.g., Euro standards).
• Troubleshoot powertrain performance issues and implement effective calibration solutions.
• Stay current with the latest powertrain technologies, calibration tools, and industry trends.
• Mentor junior calibration engineers and share knowledge within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in automotive powertrain calibration.
• Proficiency with industry-standard calibration tools (e.g., INCA, ETAS, ECU-TEST).
• Strong knowledge of engine operating principles, combustion, and emissions formation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and analysis software (e.g., AVL Concerto, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Familiarity with emissions testing procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple calibration tasks.
• Experience with hybrid or electric powertrains is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous contribution to a provident fund.
• Employees have access to ongoing training and development programs, encouraging professional growth.
• The work environment in Durban is dynamic and collaborative, offering excellent opportunities for career advancement within the automotive sector.
• This role includes substantial annual leave and access to various company-sponsored wellness initiatives.
• Joining our client means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization committed to automotive excellence and innovation.