Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Salary package

Medical insurance

Retirement fund

Training & conferences

Paid time off

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks an experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer for its Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. The role focuses on design, development, and optimization of internal combustion engines and future hybrid/electric powertrains, with emphasis on emissions compliance and fuel efficiency.

You will lead a team, perform analysis and testing, and collaborate across manufacturing and supply chain to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness and safety.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive powertrain experience.
• Experience with internal combustion engine design, calibration and testing.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Experience with GT-SUITE or AVL Excite.
• Familiar with hybrid/electric powertrain architectures.
• Strong analytical and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsabilidades

• Lead design and development of powertrain components and systems.
• Perform performance analysis, simulation and testing of engines.
• Optimize powertrain calibration for performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain for manufacturability and cost.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain issues in testing or production.
• Maintain technical documentation and test reports.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain tech including hybrids and EVs.
• Mentor junior engineers in powertrain team.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance of powertrain designs.

Conocimientos

Powertrain design

Thermodynamics

Problem solving

Teamwork

Educación

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

Herramientas

GT-SUITE

AVL Excite

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious automotive manufacturer known for its performance vehicles, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to join their expanding engineering division in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is central to the design, development, and optimization of cutting-edge internal combustion engines and future hybrid/electric powertrains. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, ensuring compliance with stringent emissions regulations, and enhancing fuel efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of thermodynamics, combustion processes, and vehicle dynamics, coupled with hands‑on experience in engine calibration and testing. This hybrid role offers a blend of on‑site collaboration and flexible remote work, allowing for a balanced approach to project execution. You will be part of a team that is shaping the future of automotive propulsion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced automotive powertrain components and systems.
• Conduct performance analysis, simulation, and testing of engines and related systems.
• Optimize powertrain calibration for performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance using specialized software.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure design for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues identified during testing or in production vehicles.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications and test reports.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies, including hybrid and electric vehicle systems.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers within the powertrain team.
• Ensure all powertrain designs meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain engineering.
• Proven expertise in internal combustion engine design, calibration, and testing.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion principles.
• Experience with powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, AVL excite).
• Familiarity with hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain architectures is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, competitive with industry standards, plus potential for performance bonuses.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• A retirement fund with company contributions is provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth include advanced training programs and participation in industry conferences.
• The company culture encourages innovation and teamwork.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, is standard.

This hybrid role requires presence at our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility for key collaborative sessions, with flexibility for remote work on other days. Excellent on‑site facilities are available.