Automotive Seating Project Engineer

Position: Automotive Seating) Project Engineer
Project Engineer – Automotive Seating

Location:

UK (Hybrid) – Pontypool, Wales (on-site as required)
Salary: £50,000–£55,000
Type:
Permanent, Full-Time

Overview

We are recruiting a Project Engineer on behalf of a successful and growing automotive engineering SME.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of engineering programmes delivering vehicle seating systems, with a particular focus on seat structures and mechanisms.

The position is suited to an engineer with strong technical credibility who enjoys leading programmes end-to-end — from concept and design through prototype builds, validation, and production launch — while coordinating suppliers and internal stakeholders.

The Role

As Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the delivery of assigned engineering programmes, ensuring products are delivered on time, to cost, and to the required quality standards.

Key responsibilities include:

Ownership and delivery of engineering programmes from concept through to production

Definition and management of programme plans, milestones, deliverables, and gates

Translation of requirements into clear engineering work packages

Technical leadership and challenge of design decisions based on risk, cost, timing, and manufacturability

Coordination of suppliers, including technical engagement, RFQs, delivery tracking, and issue resolution

Planning and execution of prototype builds and development phases

Coordination of testing activities and implementation of engineering feedback

Management of programme risks, engineering changes, and decision logs

Clear communication of progress, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused engineer with experience managing engineering programmes in an automotive or closely related environment.

Essential experience:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a mechanical / automotive / manufacturing engineering role

Proven experience delivering engineering products or systems from concept through to production

Experience working with suppliers and external technical partners

Strong planning, organisation, and stakeholder management skills

Confidence driving decisions and maintaining programme momentum

Automotive seating experience, particularly seat structures or mechanisms (not trim-focused)

Desirable experience:

Experience with prototype builds, validation testing, and iterative development

Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP / PPAP processes

Experience using CATIA V5

Strong commercial awareness (cost targets, lead times, trade-offs)

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working model: majority work-from-home

On-site presence in Pontypool, Wales required on an “as needed” basis (travel and hotel costs covered)

Relocation support available for candidates looking to move closer to site

What’s on Offer

High-visibility role with genuine ownership and responsibility

Growing business with strong financial performance and ambitious expansion plans

Collaborative engineering environment with direct access to senior leadership