Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer - Hybrid Systems

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer in Upington, Northern Cape, SA, focusing on hybrid and electric vehicle systems. You will design, simulate, and calibrate advanced powertrains for next-generation platforms, optimizing performance, emissions, and efficiency.

Join a team that collaborates across electrical, software, and mechanical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions. Hybrid on-site and remote work options are available, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with a focus on automotive powertrains.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automotive powertrain development, with hybrid/EV focus.
• Strong knowledge of ICE, electric motors, BMS, and power electronics.
• Experience with powertrain simulation tools and calibration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hybrid powertrain architectures integrating ICE, motors, batteries, and power electronics.
• Run system-level simulations to optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions.
• Develop and calibrate control strategies for hybrid powertrains.
• Plan and execute powertrain testing and validation in simulation and on-vehicle.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and mechanical engineers for seamless system integration.
• Analyze test data and recommend design improvements.
• Stay updated with hybrid/EV technology advances.
• Document designs, test results and technical reports.

Skills

Internal combustion engines

Electric motors

Battery systems

Power electronics

System integration

Simulation & validation

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Tools

GT-SUITE

AMESim

MATLAB/Simulink

Powertrain calibration tools

CAN protocol

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automotive powertrain development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer specializing in hybrid and electric vehicle systems. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , and involves contributing to the design, development, and calibration of advanced hybrid powertrains. You will work on optimizing performance, efficiency, and emissions for next-generation vehicle platforms. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of internal combustion engines, electric motors, battery systems, power electronics, and their integration into hybrid powertrains. You will be involved in simulation, testing, and validation activities, working closely with cross-functional teams. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of sustainable mobility within a growing automotive hub in Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop hybrid powertrain architectures, including the integration of ICE, electric motors, batteries, and power electronics.
• Perform system-level simulations and analysis to optimize powertrain performance, efficiency, and emissions.
• Develop and calibrate control strategies for hybrid powertrains.
• Plan and execute powertrain testing and validation activities, both in simulation and on-vehicle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues identified during development and testing phases.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, software engineers, and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
• Contribute to the documentation of designs, test results, and technical reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on automotive powertrains.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automotive powertrain development, with significant experience in hybrid or electric vehicle systems.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engine principles, electric motors, battery management systems (BMS), and power electronics.
• Proficiency in powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, AMESim, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience with powertrain calibration tools and techniques.
• Understanding of vehicle communication protocols (e.g., CAN).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with vehicle testing procedures and instrumentation is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development and training in cutting-edge automotive technologies. This hybrid role provides a balance between on-site collaboration in Upington, Northern Cape and remote work flexibility. You will be part of an innovative team dedicated to advancing sustainable automotive solutions and contributing to the future of mobility.