Position: Interior Seating – Lead Engineer
Location: Gaydon, UK (On‑Site) • 6‑month contract position
The Role
As a Seating Lead Engineer, you will support all engineering activities related to the design and release of BIW commodities, from concept to launch. You will work closely with interfacing component owners, Purchasing, STA, Manufacturing and suppliers, evaluating and implementing cost‑reduction (VAVE) proposals.
Responsibilities
* Lead the design and development of interior seating systems and sub‑systems for new programmes and model‑year actions in line with programme timescales and deliverable cadence.
* Build CAD concepts, define interfaces and boundary diagrams, and manage CAD updates/releases in the system.
* Lead developments until component sign‑off (completion of DV for first application), delivering on cost, quality, weight, attribute and timing.
* Develop and implement an efficient and effective design process based on should designs.
* Deliver CAD geometry and functional requirements through the Virtual Series Phase on time.
* Coordinate FEA/CAD/TEST activities for in‑house and outsourced development.
* Work with the AVA team to update the core AVA model based on development and geometry updates.
* Lead Evidence‑Based Engineering Reviews with the BCE Tech Centre groups.
* Manage and liaise with other body‑engineering areas, functional areas, suppliers and programme teams to ensure successful delivery on time and within committed cost.
* Deliver the commodity plan to quality, cost and time, including maintaining the Worldwide Engineering Release System.
* Deliver the Engineering Advanced Product Quality Planning deliverables.
* Coordinate the management of change requests, expenditure forecasting and relevant supplier teams in support of programme milestone delivery.
* Work on component and vehicle test plans, including detailed planning of test and development stages through to sign‑off and support engineering test teams with rectification of issues.
* Assist in resolving issues with component engineering and vehicle attribute teams to develop designs that meet requirements.
* Ensure all appropriate Jaguar Land Rover standards are met throughout design maturation.
* Ensure all programme design solutions meet programme targets for cost and weight, legal regulations and Requirements Management & Design Verification documentation, and optical quality and premium consumer product audit requirements.
* Keep all technical documentation up to date, including meeting minutes, foundation and programme design analysis documents, and quality history and bill of design.
Your Profile – Essential
* Mechanical Engineering Degree qualified, or equivalent experience.
* Strong understanding of automotive seating system design, materials and manufacturing processes.
* Knowledge and use of problem‑solving techniques in the development process (e.g., 8D, 5‑Why).
* Experience in DFMEA, Control Plan, Special Characteristics.
* Previous experience managing quality projects, technical and process issues within a project‑team environment.
* Experience with product development, product integration and manufacturing of materials used for seating systems.
* Good understanding of change‑management processes.
* Experience with CAD tools, preferably 3DX – CATIA V6.
* Core tools (APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, Control Plan).
* In‑depth knowledge and experience using 8D methodology.
* Ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
Your Profile – Desirable
* Familiarity with seat safety systems (e.g., airbags, sensors, ISOFIX).
* Experience with premium vehicle programmes and luxury interior design.
* Knowledge of global standards (FMVSS, UN‑ECE, Euro NCAP).
* Ability to work across multiple sites and manage complex supplier relationships.
* Experience with 3DX, CATIA V5/V6, seating system design.
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