Head of Powertrain

Department: Powertrain

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Windlesham

We are looking for a Head of Powertrain to lead the Powertrain engineering function at Gordon Murray Automotive, delivering the design, development, calibration and global regulatory certification of low-volume, cutting‑edge automotive powertrain systems and protecting the integrity of the design intent through to production.

Reporting to the Director of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and sitting on the Engineering Leadership Team, you will be accountable for ensuring every powertrain system embodies Gordon Murray Automotive's core philosophies of low mass, driving perfection and engineering art, while delivering the driver engagement and exceptional quality expected of every Gordon Murray Automotive sports car.

This is an exciting opportunity to own the powertrain of ultra‑low‑volume sports cars, with production of up to 100 units per year, and to navigate niche‑market regulation across the EU, UK, US Federal and California markets.

You’ll be an experienced Powertrain engineer and leader with a strong background in high‑performance, low‑volume automotive engineering.

• 12–15 years' experience in high-performance powertrain engineering, including at least 5 years leading a powertrain function within a low-volume OEM, supercar/hypercar, motor sport or aerospace environment.
• Proven experience as a Principal Engineer or Head of function, with a focus on powertrain leadership, design and project engineering, preferably in the automotive, motor sport or aerospace industries.
• A proven track record of executing EPA/CARB SVM certification and EU/UK Small Series schemes from concept to production.
• Deep technical understanding of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, GB type approval, US 40 CFR Part 86 and California CCR Title 13.
• Hands‑on experience with EMS and OBD calibration strategies, emissions chassis dyno testing and evaporative SHED test protocols.
• Extensive experience using Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) testing, engine dynos and virtual simulation to replace costly multi‑car fleet durability testing.
• In‑depth knowledge of powertrain design, development and optimisation, including lubrication heat rejection and cooler simulation, gearbox, final drive and gearshift, compliant nodes and their isolating effect, and aluminium, titanium and steel manufacturing processes and material selection, with hands‑on experience of relevant engineering tools and software.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external clients and as part of a team.
• A creative, resourceful and self‑directing approach, comfortable challenging existing processes, with a genuine appreciation of low mass and engineering art.

You’ll lead, develop and motivate the Powertrain team, ensuring the function has the skills, resources and direction required to deliver programme objectives.

• Build strong relationships with team members, providing technical support, coaching and mentoring for their development.
• Set, support and motivate team members to achieve company, departmental and personal objectives through the company PDP process and regular 1:1s.
• Manage day‑to‑day activities, delegate workloads fairly, and plan and evaluate departmental activities and resources, working with the internal recruitment team when needed.
• Lead by example, sharing information and communicating goals clearly across the team.
• Manage conflict, resolve incidents and solve problems.
• Empower the team to take ownership and make sound decisions…