Senior Automotive Test & Validation Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Test & Validation Engineer to join the on-site team in Soweto, Gauteng. You will design and execute comprehensive test plans for powertrain, chassis, and electronics, analyze results, and provide actionable feedback to engineering teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on vehicle testing, data acquisition, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, automotive, or related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering related field.
• 7+ years of experience in automotive testing and validation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with data acquisition and testing equipment.
• Knowledge of automotive standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement test plans and procedures for automotive components and systems (powertrain, chassis, electronics).
• Execute tests including performance, durability, environmental, and safety validation using specialized equipment.
• Operate and maintain data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate detailed technical reports with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify root causes of failures and support resolutions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Sensors

Automotive testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive OEM, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Test & Validation Engineer to join their rigorous product development team in **Soweto, Gauteng, ZA**. This role is fundamental to ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of automotive components and systems through comprehensive testing and validation processes. You will be responsible for designing test methodologies, executing tests in various environments, analyzing results, and providing critical feedback to engineering teams. This on-site position requires hands‑on involvement with vehicle testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting. We are looking for a detail-oriented engineer with a strong understanding of automotive systems and a commitment to excellence in product validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive test plans and procedures for automotive components and systems (e.g., powertrain, chassis, electronics).
• Execute a wide range of tests, including performance, durability, environmental, and safety validation, using specialized equipment.
• Operate and maintain data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate detailed technical reports with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with design and development engineers to identify root causes of failures and support problem resolution.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with relevant automotive industry standards and safety regulations.
• Manage test schedules and resources to meet project timelines and objectives.
• Stay updated on the latest testing technologies, methodologies, and automotive industry trends.
• Mentor junior test engineers and contribute to best practices in validation engineering.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the test and validation department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive testing and validation.
• Proven experience in designing and executing test plans for various automotive systems.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems, sensors, and common automotive testing equipment.
• Strong understanding of vehicle systems, component functionalities, and failure modes.
• Experience with environmental testing chambers, shaker tables, and other specialized test equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills for reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a demanding, on-site environment in **Soweto, Gauteng, ZA**.
• Knowledge of automotive standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and specific test protocols is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Be involved in ensuring the highest quality standards for vehicles.
• Work within a collaborative and results-driven engineering team.
• Contribute to the safety and reliability of automotive products.