Senior Automotive Software Architect (Remote-First)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 2,297,000 - 3,117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Fully remote

Stock options

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Software Architect to define and guide the architectural vision for our automotive software products, including next-generation connected car platforms and autonomous systems. This fully remote role requires exceptional technical leadership and strategic thinking across globally distributed teams.

You will design scalable, robust architectures, enforce standards, and stay ahead of industry trends while collaborating with product management and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of software development with at least 5 in an architectural role within automotive.
• Deep understanding of AUTOSAR, QNX, embedded Linux.
• Experience with software design patterns, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Python.
• Knowledge of CAN, Automotive Ethernet, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Experience with cloud IoT platforms is a strong plus.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking; remote leadership ability.

Responsibilities

• Define and document software architecture for automotive systems including infotainment, ADAS, V2X, and cloud connectivity.
• Lead design and evolution of scalable, high-performance software solutions.
• Enforce architectural principles, patterns, and coding standards across teams.
• Evaluate technologies and tools for development.
• Collaborate with product management and engineering leads to translate requirements into designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams.
• Conduct architecture and code reviews and performance analyses.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and dependencies.

Skills

Software architecture

Technical leadership

Distributed systems

C++

Java

Python

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

QNX

Embedded Linux

AUTOSAR

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in automotive technology solutions, is seeking a visionary Senior Automotive Software Architect to join their cutting-edge, fully remote team. This is a senior-level position responsible for defining and guiding the architectural vision for our client's automotive software products, focusing on next-generation connected car platforms and autonomous driving systems. You will play a critical role in designing scalable, robust, and secure software architectures that power the future of mobility. This remote-first role requires exceptional technical leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively across globally distributed engineering teams. If you are passionate about shaping the future of automotive software from the convenience of your home office near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA , this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the software architecture for complex automotive systems, including infotainment, ADAS, V2X, and cloud connectivity.
• Lead the design and evolution of scalable, high-performance, and reliable software solutions.
• Establish and enforce architectural principles, patterns, and coding standards across development teams.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for software development.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering leads, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into technical designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software development teams.
• Conduct architectural reviews, code reviews, and performance analysis.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and dependencies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive software and systems engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in an architectural role within the automotive industry.
• Deep understanding of automotive software architectures (e.g., AUTOSAR, QNX, embedded Linux).
• Extensive experience with software design patterns, microservices architecture, and distributed systems.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C++, Java, Python).
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Automotive Ethernet) and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and IoT technologies is a strong plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead and influence technical teams in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including salary and substantial stock options.
• Full remote work flexibility.
• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Extensive paid time off and professional development budget.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking automotive technologies.
• A culture that fosters innovation and collaboration.