Senior Powertrain Engineer - Onsite, Sandton Career Growth

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to lead design, development, calibration, and testing of advanced powertrain systems, including ICE, hybrids, and electrified architectures. The role combines hands-on engineering with collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.

You will apply thermodynamics, engine dynamics, and control theory to ensure performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in automotive powertrain development and engineering.
• Experience in engine design, calibration, and testing; or hybrid/electric powertrains.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and control theory.
• Proficiency with GT-Power, AMESim and CAD tools.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and diagnostic tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; emissions/fuel economy knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimize powertrain components and systems for performance and durability.
• Calibrate engines and powertrains and conduct emissions testing.
• Develop control strategies for engine management and BMS architectures.
• Utilize CAE tools to analyze powertrain performance and optimize designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&D, manufacturing and vehicle integration.
• Troubleshoot powertrain issues during development, testing or production.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation and presentations of results.
• Stay updated on advanced powertrain technologies and emissions standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to department expertise.

Skills

Powertrain design

Engine calibration

Emissions compliance

CAE tools

Data acquisition

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Automotive Eng

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GT-Power

AMESim

CAD software

Job description

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, seeks a Senior Automotive Powertrain Engineer to lead design, development, calibration, and testing of advanced powertrain systems, including ICE, hybrids, and electrified architectures. The role combines hands-on engineering with collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.

You will apply thermodynamics, engine dynamics, and control theory to ensure performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance.