At Tata Technologies we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering and validating the products of tomorrow for the world’s leading manufacturers. Due to our continued growth we are now recruiting for a Lead Engineer – Decorative Trim & Grilles to be based at our customer’s site in Gaydon.
Our Engineering Research and Development department (ER&D) is a fast growing function within Tata Technologies Limited that is assembled to work on exciting projects globally for multiple customers. It comprises highly specialized engineers across Automotive, Aerospace and Industrial Heavy Machinery.
The Role:
As the Lead Engineer for Decorative Trim & Grilles, you will be the technical lead responsible for the design, development, and delivery of exterior trim elements that define the vehicle’s visual identity. This includes front grilles, chrome accents, appliqués, nameplates, and other decorative components. You’ll work at the intersection of engineering precision and design flair, ensuring that every detail meets performance, manufacturing, and aesthetic standards.
Area of Responsibility
Design Leadership:
1. Own the engineering development of decorative trim and grille systems across multiple vehicle platforms.
2. Translate design intent into feasible, manufacturable solutions while maintaining premium visual quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
3. Partner with Studio Design, Aerodynamics, Materials, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure seamless integration.
4. Support virtual builds, physical prototypes, and launch activities across global sites.
Supplier & Material Management:
5. Lead technical discussions with Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring alignment on tooling, finishes, and delivery timelines.
6. Evaluate and approve materials, coatings, and surface treatments for durability and appearance.
Performance & Compliance:
7. Ensure components meet structural, thermal, and environmental performance targets.
8. Validate compliance with global standards for corrosion, UV stability, and pedestrian safety.
Innovation & Brand Identity:
9. Champion new technologies in decorative finishes (., laser-etched patterns, illuminated grilles, sustainable chrome alternatives).
10. Ensure trim elements reinforce brand identity and customer perception of quality.
Issue Resolution & Quality:
11. Lead root cause analysis and resolution of engineering issues during development and post-launch.
12. Support warranty investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge / Experience
·Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline.
·Strong experience in automotive exterior trim, with a focus on decorative components and grilles.
·Strong proficiency in CAD tools (., CATIA V5), PLM systems (., Teamcenter), and surface development.
·Proven leadership in cross-functional teams and supplier engagement.
·Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Attributes
·Experience with premium or luxury vehicle programs.
·Knowledge of advanced surface finishing techniques (., PVD, hydrographics, laser etching).
·Familiarity with global homologation and environmental standards.
·Passion for craftsmanship, design detail, and customer experience.
In return for bringing your expertise to our business we offer a competitive salary along with excellent benefits including:
·Pension Scheme – We match employee contribution up to 5% of salary
·25 Days’ Holiday
·Private Health Care
·Tata Jaguar Land Rover Privilege Scheme - up to 20% off new JLR vehicles
·Group Income Protection
·Health Assured – Employee Assistance Program
·Group Life Assurance
·Health Shield – Private Health Cash Plan
If you are passionate about bringing innovation to the projects you work on and want to join a global company, then this is the place for you.
Tata Technologies: Engineering a better world.
Tata Technologies would like to thank all applicants for their interest, each application will be reviewed against the set criteria for the role. We would like to advise that only candidates under consideration will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 10 working days following the closing date it will mean that unfortunately your application has not been successful. We will however retain your details for any suitable future opportunities.