Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to lead design, development, calibration, and testing of advanced powertrain systems, including ICE, hybrids, and electrified architectures. The role combines hands-on engineering with collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.

You will apply thermodynamics, engine dynamics, and control theory to ensure performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in automotive powertrain development and engineering.
• Experience in engine design, calibration, and testing; or hybrid/electric powertrains.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and control theory.
• Proficiency with GT-Power, AMESim and CAD tools.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and diagnostic tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; emissions/fuel economy knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimize powertrain components and systems for performance and durability.
• Calibrate engines and powertrains and conduct emissions testing.
• Develop control strategies for engine management and BMS architectures.
• Utilize CAE tools to analyze powertrain performance and optimize designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&D, manufacturing and vehicle integration.
• Troubleshoot powertrain issues during development, testing or production.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation and presentations of results.
• Stay updated on advanced powertrain technologies and emissions standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to department expertise.

Skills

Powertrain design

Engine calibration

Emissions compliance

CAE tools

Data acquisition

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Automotive Eng

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GT-Power

AMESim

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected name in the automotive manufacturing industry, is actively seeking a seasoned Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to join their dedicated team. This essential on-site role is based at their cutting-edge facility in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA . You will be responsible for the design, development, calibration, and testing of advanced powertrain systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and electric powertrains. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of thermodynamics, engine dynamics, and control systems, coupled with extensive experience in powertrain component design and integration. You will play a critical role in driving innovation, ensuring performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance, and collaborating with a team of top-tier engineers. This position demands a hands-on approach and a commitment to excellence in automotive engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize automotive powertrain components and systems, focusing on performance, efficiency, and durability.
• Conduct performance calibration and emissions testing of engines and hybrid/electric powertrains using dynamometers and vehicle-based testing.
• Develop and implement control strategies for various powertrain architectures, including engine management systems and battery management systems (BMS).
• Utilize CAE tools and simulation software to analyze powertrain performance, predict behavior, and optimize designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams, to ensure seamless powertrain implementation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues encountered during development, testing, or production.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations detailing design, testing, and validation results.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in powertrain technology, including alternative fuels, electrification, and advanced combustion strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical expertise within the powertrain engineering department.
• Ensure powertrain designs meet all relevant regulatory requirements for emissions and fuel economy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in automotive powertrain development and engineering.
• Proven expertise in internal combustion engine design, calibration, and testing, or experience with hybrid/electric powertrain systems.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and control systems theory.
• Proficiency in using powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-Power, AMESim) and engine calibration tools.
• Experience with CAD software for powertrain component design and analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive diagnostic tools and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Familiarity with emissions regulations and fuel economy standards.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, along with comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement savings plans, and performance bonuses.
• Employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and technology, as well as significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading automotive company.
• The role is based in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA, and offers a challenging yet rewarding career path in powertrain engineering.