Job Description
The Opportunity
Accessories form a key pillar of the automotive business, delivering customer-focused vehicle personalisation solutions that enhance functionality, design, and brand differentiation. The Project Engineering role sits within the Accessory Engineering team and is responsible for the delivery of a wide range of exterior automotive accessories across multiple vehicle platforms.
The role covers a diverse set of exterior commodity groups including exterior trim, roof carrying systems, functional accessories, and exterior protection systems. Working closely with subject matter experts, design, programme, and supplier teams, the Project Engineer is responsible for translating early programme requirements and vehicle vignettes into robust technical assumptions, leading through concept development, design release, validation, and launch.
The Project Engineer is accountable for projects through the full vehicle development lifecycle, from early concept through to post-launch support. This role offers exposure to multiple vehicle programmes, a variety of manufacturing technologies, and a global supplier base within a fast-paced automotive environment.
Self-motivated engineers with strong delivery focus, who enjoy working across multiple commodities and vehicle programmes, will thrive in this role.
Key Performance Indicators
* On-time delivery of programme gateways (PCDS / equivalent)
* Engineering sign-off achieved to programme timing
* On-time PSW completion
* No open quality or issue management actions beyond 90 days
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
* Collaborate with vehicle engineering, design, and programme teams during early development to define accessory concepts aligned to vehicle architecture and customer requirements
* Develop and maintain technical assumptions from concept through production readiness
* Lead the design, development, and release of exterior automotive accessories
* Generate RFQ technical inputs and cost packs to support sourcing activities
* Develop commodity delivery plans and manage supplier performance against cost, quality, and timing targets
* Identify and assess technical solutions, manufacturing methods, and suitable suppliers
* Support test and validation activities to ensure compliance with vehicle and regulatory requirements
* Lead Engineering Sign-Off (ESO) and Production Part Approval / PSW activities
* Support vehicle and accessory launch, including issue resolution during early production
* Manage engineering changes, risks, and concerns throughout the programme lifecycle
Key Interactions
* Vehicle Engineering
* Design / Studio Engineering
* Programme Management
* Purchasing / Sourcing
* Core Engineering Functions
* Suppliers and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA)
* Quality
* Manufacturing
* Marketing, Finance, and Pricing teams
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Essential
* Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
* Experience delivering automotive components or systems, ideally within Body, Trim, or Exterior systems
* Strong understanding of vehicle development processes and gateway-based programme delivery
* Experience using digital development tools such as digital buck, virtual mock-up, or 3D visualisation tools
* Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical information at all levels
* Working knowledge of Agile or structured product development methodologies
* Understanding of PCDS / CCDS or equivalent automotive product creation systems
Desirable
* Experience with OEM engineering release and change management systems
* Familiarity with automotive quality and launch processes such as APQP, PPAP/PSW, and issue management systems
* Strong data analysis and PC skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
* Experience leading structured problem-solving activities and cross-functional issue resolution
Personal Profile
* Customer-focused engineer with a passion for delivering high-quality automotive products
* Results-driven and self-motivated, capable of working independently in a complex programme environment
* Able to balance short-term delivery priorities with medium-term programme planning
* Resilient, adaptable, and open to new ideas and continuous improvement
* Strong communicator, able to convey complex technical topics clearly and confidently
* Effective team player who collaborates across functions and supports team success
* Strong project management capability with the ability to manage multiple commodities and programmes simultaneously
* Confident influencer, comfortable challenging existing approaches constructively while building trust and credibility.