Senior Automotive Powertrain Systems Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Automotive Powertrain Systems Engineer for a hybrid role in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. The position focuses on design, integration, and validation of ICE, Hybrid and EV powertrains, working with controls, electrical, and vehicle integration teams.

You will drive system architectures, performance targets, and integration strategies, leveraging expertise in thermodynamics, engine mechanics, and battery/drive technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive powertrain experience.
• Experience with system integration and validation.
• Familiarity with GT-SUITE or AMESim.
• Knowledge of CAN protocols.

Responsibilities

• Define system-level requirements for ICE, Hybrid, and EV powertrains.
• Develop and manage powertrain architectures aligned with vehicle systems.
• Specify components (engines, transmissions, motors, batteries, power electronics).
• Collaborate with controls engineers to calibrate powertrain control strategies.
• Oversee integration and validation in simulation and on-vehicle.
• Analyze performance data to optimize efficiency, emissions, drivability, and durability.
• Troubleshoot complex powertrain integration issues.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies.

Skills

Automotive powertrain

System integration

Requirements management

Validation processes

GT-SUITE/AMESim

CAN protocols

Analytical skills

Communication

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

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

Tools

GT-SUITE

AMESim

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global automotive innovator renowned for its advanced engineering, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Powertrain Systems Engineer to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA . This hybrid role will focus on the design, integration, and validation of complex powertrain systems, encompassing internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, and electric vehicle (EV) drivetrains. You will be instrumental in defining system architectures, performance targets, and integration strategies, ensuring seamless collaboration between various powertrain components and vehicle-level systems. This position requires a deep understanding of thermodynamics, engine mechanics, electric motor technology, battery systems, and control strategies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including controls engineers, electrical engineers, and vehicle integration specialists, in a hybrid work environment that balances on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. We are looking for a strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills and a passion for developing sustainable and high-performance automotive powertrains. Your contributions will be vital in advancing our client's cutting-edge powertrain technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define system-level requirements for automotive powertrain systems (ICE, Hybrid, EV).
• Develop and manage powertrain system architectures, ensuring integration with vehicle-level systems.
• Specify components and technologies for powertrain development, including engines, transmissions, electric motors, batteries, and power electronics.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to develop and calibrate powertrain control strategies.
• Oversee and contribute to the integration and validation of powertrain systems, both in simulation and on-vehicle.
• Analyze performance data to optimize powertrain efficiency, emissions, drivability, and durability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex powertrain system integration and performance issues.
• Work with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies and industry trends.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive powertrain systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engine technology, hybrid systems, or electric vehicle powertrains.
• Experience with system integration, requirements management, and validation processes.
• Familiarity with powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT‑SUITE, AMESim) is a plus.
• Understanding of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, contributing both on-site and remotely.
• Experience with battery management systems (BMS) or electric motor control is highly desirable for EV roles.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Exposure to advanced powertrain technologies and development environments.
• A collaborative and innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA with hybrid flexibility.