Senior Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Retirement plan with company match

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA, seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer to design, calibrate, and validate sophisticated control systems for IC engines, hybrids, and EV drivetrains.

The role focuses on optimizing performance, fuel economy, and drivability across vehicle applications, collaborating with hardware and software teams, and ensuring compliance with automotive standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain control systems development and calibration.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine operation, hybrid systems, or electric vehicle powertrains.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced control strategies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
• Develop and calibrate engine control units (ECUs) using model-based development (MBD) tools and real-time systems.
• Optimize powertrain performance for power, fuel economy, emissions, and drivability based on project requirements.
• Perform system-level integration testing and validation of powertrain control systems on dynamometers and in vehicles.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to refine control algorithms and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with software development teams to ensure control software meets functional and performance requirements.
• Work with hardware engineers to define sensor and actuator requirements for powertrain control.
• Ensure compliance with emissions regulations and other relevant automotive standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain control system issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in powertrain technology, control theory, and automotive software tools.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Stateflow

C/C++

CAN

UDS

XCP

Powertrain control

Model-based development

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Control Systems engineering

PhD (preferred)

Tools

CAN

UDS

XCP

Powertrain dynamometer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized automotive component supplier located in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA , is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Control Engineer. This critical role focuses on the design, development, calibration, and validation of sophisticated control systems for internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, and electric vehicle drivetrains. You will be instrumental in optimizing engine performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, and drivability across a range of vehicle applications. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with cutting-edge powertrain technologies and contribute to the future of automotive propulsion. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in control theory, practical experience with automotive ECUs, and a deep understanding of powertrain systems. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and calibration teams to deliver robust and efficient control solutions. We are looking for a highly analytical and detail-oriented professional dedicated to achieving optimal powertrain performance and contributing to sustainable automotive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced control strategies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
• Develop and calibrate engine control units (ECUs) using model-based development (MBD) tools and real-time systems.
• Optimize powertrain performance for power, fuel economy, emissions, and drivability based on project requirements.
• Perform system-level integration testing and validation of powertrain control systems on dynamometers and in vehicles.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to refine control algorithms and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with software development teams to ensure control software meets functional and performance requirements.
• Work with hardware engineers to define sensor and actuator requirements for powertrain control.
• Ensure compliance with emissions regulations and other relevant automotive standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain control system issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in powertrain technology, control theory, and automotive software tools.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain control systems development and calibration.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine operation, hybrid systems, or electric vehicle powertrains.
• Proficiency in control system design, simulation, and implementation using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, Stateflow, and C/C++.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols such as CAN, UDS, and XCP.
• Hands-on experience with powertrain dynamometers, engine calibration tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for teamwork in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA .
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) principles is a plus.
• A passion for automotive technology and a drive for continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work on next-generation powertrain technologies.
• Be a key technical contributor at a respected automotive supplier in Bloemfontein .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.