Senior Automotive Systems Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work support

Equipment allowance

Health insurance

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Senior Automotive Systems Engineer to join a remote-first team driving the future of vehicle technology. You will lead the design, integration, and validation of complex automotive systems, ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with a globally distributed team, mentor juniors, and advance ADAS, CAN/LIN/Ethernet, and ISO 26262 while shaping engineering processes and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in automotive systems engineering with embedded systems focus.
• Proven experience with DOORS and modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong knowledge of CAN, LIN and Ethernet protocols; ISO 26262 experience.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills; remote work capable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of ECU software and hardware systems.
• Develop and manage system requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Perform system-level integration and testing across subsystems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve engineering processes.
• Stay current with automotive technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Embedded systems

Automotive systems engineering

DOORS

MATLAB/Simulink

CAN/LIN/Ethernet

ISO 26262

Cybersecurity in automotive

Remote teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

DOORS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Systems Engineer to join their innovative team, working remotely to drive the future of vehicle technology. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, integration, and validation of complex automotive systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory standards. You will collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers and designers, leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies to tackle challenging problems in areas such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain control, and advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS). This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of next‑generation vehicles from a remote-first environment .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of automotive electronic control unit (ECU) software and hardware systems.
• Develop and manage system requirements, specifications, and validation plans throughout the product lifecycle.
• Perform system-level integration and testing, troubleshooting complex issues across various vehicle subsystems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and product managers, to ensure seamless system performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive technologies and industry trends, proposing innovative solutions to enhance vehicle capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive systems engineering, with a focus on embedded systems development.
• Proven expertise in systems engineering methodologies , requirement management tools (e.g., DOORS), and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong understanding of vehicle communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.
• Demonstrated experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles in automotive applications.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to thrive in a remote team setting.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive remote work support, including equipment allowances.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and conference attendance.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth.
• Significant impact on cutting-edge automotive technologies.