Senior Automotive Software Architect

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Lead role on cutting-edge projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Software Architect to join our team in Benoni, Gauteng. You will design and oversee the development of complex software architectures for next‑gen vehicle systems, including infotainment, connectivity, ADAS, and autonomous driving.

You will shape software strategy and select technologies to ensure scalability, reliability, and security. Ideal candidates have 8+ years in software development, 5+ in automotive architecture, strong leadership, and deep

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software development with 5+ years in automotive software architecture.
• Proven experience with real-time embedded automotive systems.
• Expertise in software patterns, architectures, microservices and layered designs.
• Strong knowledge of CAN, Automotive Ethernet, and AUTOSAR.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 and cybersecurity in automotive contexts.
• Proficient in C/C++ and other relevant languages.
• Bachelor's or Master's in CS/SE/EE.

Responsibilities

• Design high-level architectures for ECUs and vehicle systems.
• Collaborate with product managers, system engineers, and dev teams to translate requirements into architectural designs.
• Select technologies, frameworks, and tools to meet project requirements.
• Establish development standards and best practices.
• Ensure scalability, performance, reliability, and security of architectures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software teams.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party components and perform risk assessments.
• Stay current with trends in automotive software and embedded systems.
• Contribute to the evolution of the company software strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAN

AUTOSAR

Automotive Ethernet

ISO 26262

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in automotive software solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Software Architect to join their prestigious team in Benoni, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves designing and overseeing the development of complex software architectures for next-generation vehicle systems, including infotainment, connectivity, ADAS, and autonomous driving. You will be instrumental in defining software strategies, selecting appropriate technologies, and ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of the software. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of embedded systems, software design patterns, and automotive software development processes. This position offers the chance to shape the future of automotive technology within a dynamic environment in Benoni.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and define high-level software architectures for automotive electronic control units (ECUs) and complex vehicle systems.
• Collaborate with product managers, system engineers, and development teams to translate requirements into robust architectural designs.
• Select appropriate software technologies, frameworks, and tools to meet project requirements.
• Establish software development standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Ensure the scalability, performance, reliability, and security of the designed software architectures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software development teams.
• Evaluate and integrate third‑party software components and solutions.
• Conduct architectural reviews and risk assessments, identifying potential issues and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in automotive software engineering, embedded systems, and related fields.
• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the company's software strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in automotive software architecture.
• Proven experience in designing complex, real‑time embedded software systems for automotive applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of software design patterns, architectural styles, and methodologies (e.g., microservices, layered architectures).
• Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Automotive Ethernet) and standards (e.g., AUTOSAR).
• Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes and agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles in automotive systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and/or other relevant programming languages.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge automotive software projects.
• Lead role with significant influence on product development.
• Access to advanced development tools and technologies.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment.