Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible work hours

Remote work from home

Access to cutting-edge tools

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer for a fully remote role serving global automotive projects. The candidate will lead development of control strategies across ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains, provide calibration and validation using model-based design, and collaborate with hardware teams to define ECU/sensor requirements.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in powertrain controls, deep thermodynamics and control theory knowledge, and expert MATLAB/Simulink

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in automotive powertrain controls engineering.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, or EV powertrains.
• Proficiency in model-based design and embedded software development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement powertrain control strategies for ICE, hybrid, and EV vehicles.
• Calibrate control algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and other model-based tools.
• Create and manage requirements for powertrain control software.
• Translate vehicle requirements into powertrain control functionalities.
• Develop and execute test plans for validation in simulation and on-vehicle.

Skills

Powertrain controls

Model-based design

Embedded software

Data analysis

Python

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with control focus

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

dSPACE

ETAS

C/C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in sustainable automotive technology, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer to join their innovative, fully remote engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development of sophisticated control strategies for advanced internal combustion engines, hybrid, and electric vehicle powertrains. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and calibrating control algorithms that optimize performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, and drivability. Working remotely, you will collaborate with a world-class team of engineers, leveraging cutting-edge simulation tools and real-world data to refine control systems. We are looking for a candidate with a profound understanding of thermodynamics, combustion, electric motors, battery management, and control theory. Your expertise in model-based design and embedded software development will be critical. This role demands a proactive, analytical, and results-oriented individual who can excel in an independent work environment. Embrace the chance to shape the future of automotive powertrains from the comfort of your home office, driving innovation in one of the most dynamic sectors of the industry. This position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement powertrain control strategies for internal combustion engines, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
• Develop and calibrate control algorithms using model-based design tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Create and manage requirements for powertrain control software.
• Translate vehicle-level requirements into specific powertrain control system functionalities.
• Develop and execute test plans for control system validation, both in simulation and on-vehicle.
• Analyze test data and performance metrics to optimize control strategies for performance, efficiency, and emissions.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define requirements for ECUs and sensors.
• Support the integration of powertrain control systems into the overall vehicle architecture.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain control issues.
• Stay current with advancements in powertrain technology and control methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on control systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive powertrain controls engineering.
• Expertise in model-based design and development using MATLAB/Simulink.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine principles, hybrid system architectures, or electric vehicle powertrains.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Experience with powertrain calibration tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment, demonstrating self-discipline and strong communication skills.
• Experience with dSPACE, ETAS, or similar rapid prototyping tools is a plus.
• Deep understanding of control theory and its application to automotive systems.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work hours.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation and development tools.
• The flexibility to work from home, contributing remotely to projects based in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA .