Role / Job Title: Joining Engineer Work Location: Gaydon / Whitley, UK (Onsite) Desired Competencies (Technical / Behavioral Competency) Must-Have: Deep knowledge of welding, mechanical fastening, and adhesive bonding techniques. Understanding of joining challenges across aluminium, steel, and composite materials. Experience defining joining processes, parameters, and quality standards. Familiarity with CATIA V5/V6 and geometric tolerancing for joint design. Experience with joint-level and system-level testing for crash, fatigue, and corrosion. Knowledge of tooling, automation, and assembly line integration. Strong analytical skills to resolve joint failures and optimize performance. Good-to-Have: Exposure to emerging joining technologies like friction stir welding or ultrasonic welding. Ability to interpret simulation results for joint strength, fatigue, and crash performance. Awareness of recyclable joining methods and disassembly-friendly designs. Familiarity with ISO, AWS, and OEM-specific joining standards. Hands-on involvement in prototype builds and production ramp-up phases. Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers and joining equipment vendors. Working knowledge of JIRA, self-motivating and ability to work effectively in a team environment. Experience working on multi-region vehicle platforms or global launches. Responsibilities / Expectations from the Role: Lead the development and application of joining methods (e.g., MIG/MAG welding, laser welding, self-piercing rivets, flow drill screws, adhesives) across BIW components. Define and maintain joining specifications, process standards, and design guidelines. Collaborate with Materials, Manufacturing, CAE, and Supplier Quality teams to ensure robust and scalable solutions. Support virtual and physical validation of joints for crash, fatigue, corrosion, and NVH performance. Drive innovation in joining technologies to support aluminium, steel, and mixed-material structures. Manage CAD integration of joining features and ensure compatibility with tooling and assembly processes. Support prototype builds, pilot phases, and production launch activities. Lead root cause analysis and resolution of joining-related issues during development and manufacturing. Interface with Tier 1 suppliers and technology partners to evaluate new joining solutions. Details for Candidate Briefing (Non-Confidential) About the Client: A major automotive OEM is harnessing technology to make driving smarter, safer, and cleaner, creating a world in which responsible, sustainable vehicles revolutionize the driving experience for generations. The OEM's vision is to leverage the incredible potential of technology to build vehicles that not only offer a premium, all-encompassing digital experience but also make customers' lives better. A UK-based Automotive OEM involved in mid and luxury segment car and SUV design and manufacturing. USP of the Role and Project: Will be directly working with the client. Good exposure to OEM practices. Short-term onsite opportunity.