Senior Powertrain Engineer – ICE/Hybrid/EV, Stellenbosch

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Medical aid and life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Industry conference participation

Work-life balance emphasis

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Automotive Powertrain Specialist to lead the design, development, testing, and optimization of ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains. The role focuses on performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction, with cross-functional collaboration across engineering teams.

Applicants should have deep knowledge of powertrain dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems, plus hands-on experience and a track record of delivering high-impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in automotive powertrain development.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid architectures, or EV powertrains.
• Proficiency in powertrain simulation tools (e.g., GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink, AVL).
• Experience with powertrain calibration tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of automotive control systems and diagnostic protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with emissions regulations and testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced powertrain components and systems (ICE, hybrid, EV).
• Conduct performance analysis, simulations, and testing of powertrain configurations.
• Optimize powertrain systems for fuel efficiency, emissions, performance, and drivability.
• Develop and calibrate engine control units (ECUs) and hybrid/electric control strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on component integration and vehicle testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve powertrain-related issues during development and production phases.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports on powertrain development activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging powertrain technologies and industry regulations.
• Support the validation and homologation of new powertrain systems.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

GT-SUITE

MATLAB/Simulink

AVL

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Automotive Powertrain Specialist to lead the design, development, testing, and optimization of ICE, hybrid, and EV powertrains. The role focuses on performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction, with cross-functional collaboration across engineering teams.

Applicants should have deep knowledge of powertrain dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems, plus hands-on experience and a track record of delivering high-impact