Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer to join their on-site team in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA. You will design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for ICE, HEV and EV powertrains to improve performance, efficiency and drivability.

Applicants should have 7+ years in automotive powertrain controls, strong MATLAB/Simulink and embedded C/C++, CAN/UDS knowledge, and experience with HIL testing in vehicle environments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automotive powertrain controls development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate powertrain control strategies for ICE/HEV/EV.
• Design and tune control algorithms for performance and emissions.
• Collaborate with hardware, calibration and vehicle integration teams.
• Model and simulate powertrain control systems.
• Execute test plans on HIL benches and in vehicles.

Skills

Powertrain control

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++ (embedded)

CAN/UDS

HIL testing

Engine/EV powertrains

System modeling

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

HIL benches

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Controls Engineer to join their dynamic team based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA. This on-site role is crucial for the development and optimization of advanced powertrain control systems for our next-generation vehicles. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and testing sophisticated control algorithms to enhance performance, efficiency, emissions, and drivability. We are looking for a candidate with deep expertise in engine control, transmission control, hybrid systems, or electric vehicle powertrains. Your ability to translate complex requirements into robust and innovative control solutions will be paramount. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge automotive technology and contribute significantly to the future of mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate control strategies for automotive powertrains (ICE, HEV, EV).
• Design and tune control algorithms for optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, calibration, and vehicle integration engineers.
• Perform system-level modeling and simulation of powertrain control systems.
• Develop and execute test plans for control software on HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) benches and in vehicles.
• Analyze test data and vehicle performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant automotive regulations and standards.
• Contribute to the definition of control system requirements and architecture.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in powertrain control and electrification.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain control systems development.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engine (ICE) or electric vehicle (EV) powertrains.
• Expertise in control theory and its application to automotive systems.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, UDS).
• Experience with HIL testing systems and vehicle dynamics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and performance bonuses.
• Join our dedicated team at our Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA facility and play a key role in shaping the future of automotive performance and sustainability.