Position Title: Vehicle Architecture Lead Engineer
Contract Type: Contract - 12 months
Location: Gaydon, Warwickshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid (see below)
Rate: £33.88 per hour inside IR35
Role Overview
The Vehicle Architecture Lead Engineer is responsible for the end‑to‑end engineering integration process across vehicle architectures. This role sits at the heart of whole‑vehicle development, ensuring that technical specifications, attributes, and system interactions are optimised to deliver competitive, high‑quality vehicles.
You will lead the resolution of complex, cross‑functional engineering challenges, balancing competing requirements to define the best overall vehicle solutions. The role also plays a key part in shaping future products by analysing emerging technologies and competitor vehicles, influencing client strategies to maintain market competitiveness.
In addition, you will provide technical leadership, supporting the development of less experienced engineers through coaching, review, and task delegation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the engineering integration process across vehicle architectures
Define, design, and develop vehicle technical specifications and attribute targets
Balance competing system requirements to deliver optimal whole‑vehicle solutions
Lead and resolve complex multi‑functional engineering issues
Analyse current and future technologies and competitor products to influence vehicle strategy and ensure product competitiveness
Provide technical leadership through coaching, reviewing, and delegating work to lower‑level engineers
Operate effectively in environments where problems are challenging, ambiguous, and complex
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
Strong knowledge of whole‑vehicle engineering and cross‑functional vehicle systems
Passion and enthusiasm for vehicles and vehicle development
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interpret and convey complex technical information
Good IT literacy, including the ability to create and manage presentations and spreadsheets
Full UK driving licence
Desirable
Previous experience in whole‑vehicle development and validation
Experience using structured problem‑solving tools, such as Six Sigma methodologies
Prior experience leading technical issue resolution across multiple functions
Personal Profile
Essential
Results‑driven, with the ability to deliver operational plans in a demanding environment
Strong capability to prioritise workload, both personally and across the team
Confident and effective communicator, able to explain complex concepts clearly
Collaborative team player who actively supports and develops others
Working Pattern
Hybrid working model
Team office days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus additional days as required or agreed
A typical working week will involve more than 50% onsite presence, including full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays