Senior Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer - Bloemfontein

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health and wellness benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Access to advanced testing facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer to lead design, calibration, and validation of ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. The role focuses on achieving performance, efficiency, and emissions targets within a hybrid work model.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in powertrain development, strong thermodynamics knowledge, and fluency with tools like MATLAB/Simulink. Collaboration with international teams and continued learning are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive automotive powertrain experience.
• Experience with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains desirable.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink or GT-SUITE.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of engine control systems and calibration tools.
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and calibration of automotive powertrain systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).
• Conduct performance testing, data analysis, and simulation to optimize efficiency and emissions.
• Develop and validate powertrain control strategies and algorithms.
• Collaborate with global teams on powertrain integration and component selection.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain issues during development and testing.
• Ensure compliance with emissions regulations and performance standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on powertrain development.
• Stay abreast of latest powertrain technologies and industry trends.
• Contribute to future powertrain architectures and strategies.

Skills

Powertrain development

Thermodynamics

Control systems

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

GT-SUITE

Dynamometer testing

Job description

Our client, a leading international automotive manufacturer with a significant presence in South Africa, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Development Engineer to join their advanced engineering team based in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role focuses on the development, calibration, and validation of innovative powertrain systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and future electric powertrains. You will be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and emissions targets while collaborating with global engineering centers. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of thermodynamics, engine mechanics, control systems, and modern powertrain technologies. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of automotive propulsion systems within a dynamic and technologically advanced environment. We are looking for a proactive and analytical engineer who can lead complex development projects and contribute to the company's future success in powertrain innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and calibration of automotive powertrain systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).
• Conduct performance testing, data analysis, and simulation to optimize engine and vehicle efficiency and emissions.
• Develop and validate powertrain control strategies and algorithms.
• Collaborate with global teams on powertrain integration and component selection.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain-related issues during development and testing phases.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant emissions regulations and performance standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for project reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on powertrain development.
• Stay abreast of the latest powertrain technologies and industry trends.
• Contribute to the definition of future powertrain architectures and strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain development.
• In-depth knowledge of internal combustion engine principles, thermodynamics, and mechanics.
• Experience with hybrid and/or electric vehicle powertrains is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with powertrain simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE) and dynamometer testing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous approach to data analysis.
• Excellent understanding of engine control systems and calibration tools.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with cross-functional and international teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package of R .
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge powertrain technologies for a global automotive leader.
• Access to advanced testing facilities and equipment in Bloemfontein .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Relocation assistance for suitable candidates.
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Contribute to sustainable automotive solutions.