Senior Powertrain Engineer — Hybrid, Ev/Ice, Mossel Bay

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to lead the design, development, integration and testing of advanced electrical architectures for next‑gen vehicles. The role focuses on infotainment, power management, and connectivity while mentoring junior engineers.

You will shape the electrical future of automobiles in a South African setting, driving innovation, standards compliance and cross‑functional collaboration with mechanical and software teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in automotive electrical systems design and development.
• In‑depth knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, including power electronics, ECUs, and communication networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (Capital, Zuken E3) and simulation software.
• Experience with automotive diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of functional safety principles (ISO 26262) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, power distribution, and control modules.
• Specify and select electrical components, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and reliability requirements.
• Develop and execute test plans for electrical systems, including integration testing and validation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical issues encountered during development and production.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, documentation, and specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, providing technical direction and support.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive electrical technologies, standards, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to defining the future electrical architecture strategy for new vehicle platforms.
• Ensure compliance with relevant automotive standards and regulations (ISO 26262).

Skills

Auto electrical design

Leadership

ISO 26262

CAN/LIN/Ethernet

Electrical CAD

Diagnostics tools

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Capital

Zuken E3

Job description

Our client, a pioneering automotive technology firm located in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is looking for an experienced Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to lead critical projects in vehicle electrical systems. This role involves the design, development, integration, and testing of complex electrical architectures for next-generation vehicles, including advanced infotainment systems, power management solutions, and connectivity features. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of automotive electrical engineering principles, a proven track record in complex system design, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. You will work at the forefront of automotive innovation, contributing to the development of sophisticated and reliable electrical systems that define the future of driving. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Join our team and help shape the electrical future of automobiles in a beautiful South African setting.

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering automotive technology firm located in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is looking for an experienced Senior Automotive Electrical Engineer to lead critical projects in vehicle electrical systems. This role involves the design, development, integration, and testing of complex electrical architectures for next-generation vehicles, including advanced infotainment systems, power management solutions, and connectivity features. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of automotive electrical engineering principles, a proven track record in complex system design, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. You will work at the forefront of automotive innovation, contributing to the development of sophisticated and reliable electrical systems that define the future of driving. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Join our team and help shape the electrical future of automobiles in a beautiful South African setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automotive electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, power distribution, and control modules.
• Specify and select electrical components, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and reliability requirements.
• Develop and execute test plans for electrical systems, including integration testing and validation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical issues encountered during development and production.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (mechanical, software, systems engineering) to ensure seamless system integration.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, documentation, and specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, providing technical direction and support.
• Stay abreast of emerging automotive electrical technologies, standards, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to defining the future electrical architecture strategy for new vehicle platforms.
• Ensure compliance with relevant automotive standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 26262 for functional safety).

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in automotive electrical systems design and development.
• In‑depth knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, including power electronics, ECUs, and communication networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (e.g., Capital, Zuken E3) and simulation software.
• Experience with automotive diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of functional safety principles (ISO 26262) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
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