Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Annual leave

Professional development

Simulation tools

Sustainability culture

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer for a fully remote role based out of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead the design, development, and calibration of advanced powertrain systems, including EV/HEV architectures, focusing on performance, efficiency, and emissions.

Collaborate with a global team to push propulsion technology. You will leverage GT-SUITE and MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, perform tests and data analysis, mentor junior engineers, and ensure regulatory

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive powertrain development with a strong focus on EV/HEV.
• Proven expertise in powertrain design, simulation (GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink), and calibration tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced powertrain components and systems, including electric motors, batteries, and control units.
• Perform detailed analysis and simulation of powertrain performance, efficiency, and thermal management.
• Conduct engine and vehicle testing, data acquisition, and analysis to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and calibrate powertrain control strategies for optimal performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless powertrain integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain-related issues encountered during development and validation.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing within the team.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project stakeholders.

Skills

Powertrain design

Vehicle dynamics analysis

GT-SUITE

MATLAB/Simulink

Battery management systems

EV/HEV architectures

Thermodynamics

Control systems

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

GT-SUITE

MATLAB/Simulink

Data acquisition systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in sustainable automotive solutions, is seeking an exceptional Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to join their globally distributed and fully remote team. This role is perfect for an individual passionate about the future of vehicle propulsion, focusing on the design, development, and calibration of advanced powertrain systems, including electric and hybrid technologies. Working remotely, you will collaborate with a world-class team of engineers to innovate and optimize powertrain performance, efficiency, and emissions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects from the comfort of your home office, influencing the next generation of eco-friendly vehicles. If you thrive in a dynamic, research-oriented environment and are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, this remote position based out of **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal** (though fully remote) offers the ideal platform for your expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced powertrain components and systems, including electric motors, batteries, and control units.
• Perform detailed analysis and simulation of powertrain performance, efficiency, and thermal management.
• Conduct engine and vehicle testing, data acquisition, and analysis to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and calibrate powertrain control strategies for optimal performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., vehicle integration, software, manufacturing) to ensure seamless powertrain integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain-related issues encountered during development and validation.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing within the team.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive powertrain development, with a significant focus on electric and hybrid powertrains.
• Proven expertise in powertrain design, simulation (e.g., GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink), and calibration tools.
• In-depth knowledge of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures and components.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and control systems.
• Experience with battery management systems (BMS) and power electronics.
• Proficiency in data acquisition systems and analysis software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.
• Experience with ISO 26262 functional safety standards is a plus.

Benefits

• An exceptional annual salary of ZAR.
• Fully remote work environment, offering flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance.
• Funding for professional development, conferences, and certifications.
• Access to advanced simulation software and virtual testing tools.
• A stimulating and innovative work culture focused on sustainability.
• Retirement savings plan.