Project Engineer – Automotive Seating
Location: UK (Hybrid) – Pontypool, Wales (on-site as required)
Salary: £50,000–£55,000
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Overview
We are recruiting a Project Engineer on behalf of a successful and growing automotive engineering SME. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of engineering programmes delivering vehicle seating systems, with a particular focus on seat structures and mechanisms.
The position is suited to an engineer with strong technical credibility who enjoys leading programmes end-to-end — from concept and design through prototype builds, validation, and production launch — while coordinating suppliers and internal stakeholders.
The Role
As Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the delivery of assigned engineering programmes, ensuring products are delivered on time, to cost, and to the required quality standards.
Key responsibilities include:
Ownership and delivery of engineering programmes from concept through to production
Definition and management of programme plans, milestones, deliverables, and gates
Translation of requirements into clear engineering work packages
Technical leadership and challenge of design decisions based on risk, cost, timing, and manufacturability
Coordination of suppliers, including technical engagement, RFQs, delivery tracking, and issue resolution
Planning and execution of prototype builds and development phases
Coordination of testing activities and implementation of engineering feedback
Management of programme risks, engineering changes, and decision logs
Clear communication of progress, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused engineer with experience managing engineering programmes in an automotive or closely related environment.
Essential experience:
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a mechanical / automotive / manufacturing engineering role
Proven experience delivering engineering products or systems from concept through to production
Experience working with suppliers and external technical partners
Strong planning, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
Confidence driving decisions and maintaining programme momentum
Automotive seating experience, particularly seat structures or mechanisms (not trim-focused)
Desirable experience:
Experience with prototype builds, validation testing, and iterative development
Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP / PPAP processes
Experience using CATIA V5
Strong commercial awareness (cost targets, lead times, trade-offs)
Working Arrangements
Hybrid working model: majority work-from-home
On-site presence in Pontypool, Wales required on an “as needed” basis (travel and hotel costs covered)
Relocation support available for candidates looking to move closer to site
What’s on Offer
High-visibility role with genuine ownership and responsibility
Growing business with strong financial performance and ambitious expansion plans
Collaborative engineering environment with direct access to senior leadership