Job Description
Exterior Lead Engineer – Automotive (Contract)
📍 Gaydon / Whitley, UK | 💼 6-Month Contract (Inside IR35) | 🏢 Office-Based
About the Role
Our client, a top global organization, is looking for a highly skilled Exterior Lead Engineer to join a leading UK automotive OEM, working on cutting-edge vehicle programs that define the future of sustainable and premium mobility. You’ll be responsible for leading the design, development, and delivery of key exterior systems — including bumpers, grilles, finishers, and underfloor systems — from concept through to production. This is an opportunity to work directly with OEM engineering teams, influence design at a global level, and help deliver world-class vehicles that embody innovation, performance, and craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the design and development of exterior systems (bumpers, grilles, exterior finishers, underfloor components) from concept to launch.
2. Deliver commodity plans to meet quality, cost, and timing targets.
3. Manage engineering releases, APQP deliverables, change requests, and supplier coordination.
4. Plan and oversee component testing and validation, ensuring all designs meet performance and regulatory standards.
5. Resolve technical issues across component, system, and vehicle ...