Role/Job Title: Exterior Lead Engineer
Work Location: Gaydon / Whitely, UK (Onsite)
Role Type: Contracting
Mode of Working: Office based
Desired Competencies (Technical / Behavioral Competency) Must-Have (Ideally not more than 3 5): Lead the design and development of bumper, grille, exterior finisher, and underfloor systems from concept to production.
Significant experience in an automotive engineering environment, particularly in exterior systems development.
Demonstrable experience working on bumpers, grilles, exterior finishers (e.g., trim, appliques), and underfloor shields.
Proven ability to lead projects or technical work streams.
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in automotive CAD software (CATIA V6, 3DX).
Strong understanding of plastic injection molding, tooling, and manufacturing processes for exterior components.
Familiarity with automotive quality standards, material selection, and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of aerodynamic principles, pedestrian safety regulations, and their impact on exterior design.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
Good-to-Have: A good working knowledge of product creation & delivery, change control, product definition, and change management processes.
Able to use structured problem-solving tools and techniques to resolve technical and quality issues.
Experience of component verification methods, through component, system, and vehicle level test methods.
Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Good communication and collaboration skills.
Demonstrable experience managing and influencing key stakeholders.
Experience with project management / agile methodologies.
Responsibilities / Expectations from the Role Deliver the commodity plan to quality, cost, and time, including maintaining the Worldwide Engineering Release System (WERS) and/or iCreate.
Own and deliver the Engineering Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) deliverables.
Manage Change Request, expenditure forecasting, and the relevant supplier teams in support of delivery of the programme milestones.
Manage vehicle test plans, including detailed planning of test and development stages through to sign off and support Engineering test teams with rectification of issues.
Resolve issues with component engineering and vehicle attribute teams to develop designs that meet targets.
Ensure all appropriate design and launch standards are met throughout design maturation.
Provide input into new feature development.
Ensure all programme design solutions meet: Programme targets cost and weight.
Legal regulations and Requirements Management & Design Verification documentation.
Crafted Quality and World Class Product Audit (WCPA) requirements.
Keep all project/programme documentation up to date, including: Meeting minutes.
Foundation and Programme Design analysis documents.
Quality history and bill of design.
Regulatory requirements & company standards.
Undertake any other work as directed by the line manager in connection with the job as may be requested from time to time.
Details for Candidate Briefing (It should NOT contain any confidential information or references) About Client: A major automotive OEM is harnessing technology to make driving smarter, safer, and cleaner and create 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. UK-based Automotive OEM involved in mid and luxury segment cars and SUV design and manufacturing.
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