Senior Lead Project Engineer

Key Accountabilities:

Project & Programme Management:

• Lead engineering projects through every phase of the product lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility studies through design validation to Start of Production (SOP).

• Drive technical decision-making to ensure projects are delivered within customer requirements, quality standards and programme timing.

• Coordinate engineering activities across design, quality, production and supply chain teams.

• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) throughout active production.

• Evaluate, approve and implement engineering changes while ensuring uninterrupted production and supply continuity.

• Maintain configuration control and engineering integrity throughout programme life.

• Develop and optimise painted exterior automotive components to meet stringent Class-A surface appearance and durability standards.

• Define paint application processes, tooling requirements and substrate specifications.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving product quality, manufacturing efficiency and cost performance.

• Act as the primary technical representative for German OEM customers.

• Build strong relationships with international engineering teams while coordinating technical requirements with local manufacturing.

• Facilitate technical discussions, design reviews and engineering approvals across multiple stakeholders.

• Prepare, review and maintain all engineering documentation including:

  • Technical specifications

  • Engineering change documentation

  • Purchasing documentation

  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)

  • Parts lists

  • Technical delivery documentation

• Ensure full compliance with company quality, environmental and health and safety management systems.

• Assess, audit and support Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers including tooling manufacturers, raw material suppliers and paint or chemical suppliers.

• Verify supplier capability against German OEM engineering, quality and cosmetic standards.

• Support procurement through technical supplier validation.

• Research new product concepts and manufacturing technologies.

• Conduct patent investigations and intellectual property reviews.

• Perform competitor benchmarking and tear-down analysis to identify opportunities for innovation, performance enhancement and cost reduction.

• Lead production readiness activities for new vehicle programmes.

• Ensure successful launch, production ramp-up and programme run-out with minimal disruption.