Senior Powertrain Engineer – Hybrid & EV R&D

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Annual bonus opportunities

Health, wellness, and retirement plans

Generous paid time off and holidays

Professional development and training

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance may be available

Employee vehicle purchase programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automotive Powertrain Engineer for our client’s R&D facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced powertrain systems, including ICE, hybrid, and EV architectures, to improve performance and emissions.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in mechanical/automotive engineering, 6+ years in powertrain development, and strong simulation skills (GT-SUITE, AVL BOOST, MATLAB/Simulink). Hybrid work flexibility is offered.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in mechanical/automotive engineering required.
• 6+ years hands-on powertrain development experience.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engines, thermodynamics and combustion.
• Experience with EV powertrains including motors, inverters and batteries.
• Proficiency in powertrain simulation tools and data analysis software.
• Familiarity with vehicle emissions regulations and testing procedures.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test advanced powertrain components and systems (engines, transmissions, motors, battery management).
• Conduct performance analysis, simulations, and calibration to meet efficiency, emissions, durability and drivability targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless powertrain integration.
• Develop and execute test plans on dynamometers and in vehicles.
• Analyze test data and implement engineering solutions to root causes.
• Contribute to powertrain requirement definitions from market trends and regulations.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for reviews and management.
• Stay current with emerging powertrain technologies and architectures.

Skills

Powertrain design

Thermodynamics

Automotive engineering

EV powertrains

Modeling & simulation

Data analysis

Calibration tools

Technical reporting

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Automotive Engineering as related field

Tools

GT-SUITE

AVL BOOST

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automotive Powertrain Engineer for our client’s R&D facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced powertrain systems, including ICE, hybrid, and EV architectures, to improve performance and emissions.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in mechanical/automotive engineering, 6+ years in powertrain development, and strong simulation skills (GT-SUITE, AVL BOOST, MATLAB/Simulink). Hybrid work flexibility is offered.