Senior Automotive Software Architect

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Exceptional salary and bonus structure

Stock options

Continued learning budget

Health insurance (plan)

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Software Architect to drive the next generation of in-vehicle software. This fully remote role focuses on ECU architectures, RTOS-based systems, and automotive protocols, with global collaboration across distributed teams.

Ideal candidates combine deep embedded expertise, strong ISO 26262 and cybersecurity knowledge, and leadership experience guiding cross-functional teams from a home office.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in CS, EE or related field.
• 10+ years in software development with 5+ in automotive software architecture.
• Extensive embedded systems, RTOS, and automotive protocols CAN/LIN/Ethernet experience.
• Proven ability to design complex distributed software systems.
• Strong ISO 26262 and automotive cybersecurity knowledge.
• Proficient in C/C++ and OO design; UML/SysML familiarity.
• Experience leading remote, cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define high-level software architectures for ECUs and in-vehicle systems.
• Develop and maintain software design patterns and standards.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define interfaces.
• Evaluate and select software technologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership to software teams throughout development.
• Ensure ISO 26262 and cybersecurity requirements compliance.
• Design interfaces and protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) between subsystems.
• Conduct architectural reviews and code inspections.
• Troubleshoot complex software and system integration issues.
• Stay current with emerging trends in automotive software development.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

RTOS

Distributed systems

Automotive networking

Education

MS or PhD

Tools

UML

SysML

QNX

VxWorks

Linux

AUTOSAR

CAN

Ethernet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in automotive innovation, is seeking an exceptional Senior Automotive Software Architect to join their fully remote team. This role is central to designing the next generation of in-vehicle software systems, including infotainment, autonomous driving features, and connectivity solutions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and automotive communication protocols. You will be responsible for defining software architectures, setting technical standards, and guiding development teams to ensure robust, scalable, and secure software solutions. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of automotive technology from the comfort of your home office. We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven track record in complex software system design, specifically within the automotive domain. The role emphasizes collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document high-level software architectures for automotive electronic control units (ECUs) and in-vehicle systems.
• Develop and maintain software design patterns, coding standards, and best practices for automotive applications.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers and systems architects to define hardware-software interfaces.
• Evaluate and select appropriate software technologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to software development teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Ensure software designs comply with automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and cybersecurity requirements.
• Design interfaces and communication protocols between various automotive subsystems (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Conduct architectural reviews and code inspections to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software and system integration issues.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in automotive software development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in automotive software architecture.
• Extensive experience with embedded systems, RTOS (e.g., QNX, VxWorks), and Linux.
• Deep understanding of automotive communication protocols like CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet.
• Proven experience in designing complex, distributed software systems.
• Knowledge of functional safety (ISO 26262) and automotive cybersecurity principles.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Experience with software modeling tools (e.g., UML, SysML) and AUTOSAR.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary and bonus structure commensurate with seniority and expertise.
• Full remote work arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on state-of-the-art automotive technologies shaping the future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous stock options and long-term incentive programs.
• Access to continuous learning platforms and professional development budgets.
• A highly collaborative and innovative company culture.