Powertrain Technical Project Lead - Engine

Powertrain Technical Project Lead Consultant (Engine Systems Focus)

6 Months initially

Outside IR35 up to £45 per hour

Woking, Surrey (Hybrid Working)

ASAP start

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Principal Engineer and working with the Technical Program Manager on powertrain engine system programs. Working alongside Project Engineers in a small team, responsible for the delivery of internal combustion engine components (e.g., pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, valve train systems) into small volume, high-performance specialist vehicle programs.

"Cradle to Grave" approach – working within a cross‑functional team from R&D stage, through concept, design release, production launch, and series production support to deliver full vehicle performance targets and contribute to overall business KPIs.

• Cost (piece, tooling, development & validation)
• Performance (durability, strength, efficiency, friction reduction, and combustion performance cascaded from full vehicle targets to component‑level specifications)
• Timing
• Feasibility (supporting in‑house manufacturing/assembly processes such as machining, casting, forging, and supplier capability)

Lead the development and integration of core engine mechanical components, including:

• Pistons and piston rings
• Connecting rods
• Crankshaft and bearings
• Cylinder block and liners
• Cylinder head and valve train

Ensure designs meet performance targets such as thermal/mechanical loads, fatigue life, lubrication requirements, and emissions compliance.

Apply proactive problem avoidance at early stages (Risk Assessments, DFMEA, lessons learned).

Lead hands‑on issue resolution during:

• Prototype builds
• Engine dyno testing
• Vehicle validation
• Series production

Address issues such as wear, NVH, durability failures, oil consumption, and tolerance stack‑ups.

Manage and maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOM):

• Part numbering and structuring
• Engineering change processes

Track and manage:

• Component weight (critical for performance targets)
• Costs (forecasting, risks, and opportunities)
• Program timing and delivery status

Provide rapid cost estimates to support early concept decisions for engine components. Deliver detailed cost breakdowns (materials, machining, treatments, assembly). Support sourcing decisions using market insight and value analysis. Drive continuous improvement in cost modelling through benchmarking and supplier engagement.

• CATIA V5 / V6 2D/3D skills with strong GD&T application experience.
• High level of technical knowledge and experience in:
  • Engine mechanical design and architecture
  • Materials and manufacturing processes (casting, forging, machining, coatings)
  • Engine testing (dyno, durability, performance validation)
  • Production and industrialisation of engine components
• SAP capability including:
  • Engineering Release Management
  • BOM structuring
  • Cost management