Vehicle Chief Engineer

Ricardo - Pushing Boundaries: A World leader in propulsion engineering from concept to production

Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end‑to‑end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.

Headquartered in Shoreham by Sea (UK), Ricardo brings together more than 1,000 experts and delivers in excess of 200 major programmes globally at any given time. For more information, visit

The Vehicle Chief Engineer will lead the end‑to‑end technical delivery of vehicle programs, with responsibility for the integration and performance of key vehicle systems including chassis, suspension, steering, braking, and vehicle dynamics.

This role serves as the technical authority for the complete vehicle, ensuring all systems are integrated to deliver performance, safety, durability, and regulatory compliance in line with UK and global automotive standards. The position requires a strong background as a Vehicle Chief Engineer, Lead Vehicle Engineer, or Chassis Chief who is a hands‑on leader with deep experience in vehicle engineering, strong programme leadership capability, and a proven track record of delivering production‑ready vehicles.

Proven ability to deliver production vehicles in a regulatory environment is also key alongside being a strategic thinker with ability to align engineering with business objectives, a strong problem‑solving mindset and resilience. You should have the ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, fast‑paced organisation with a drive for innovation and continuous improvement.

• Act as the Vehicle Technical Authority for assigned programmes.
• Own vehicle‑level integration across all systems
• Project Execution
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Quality & Compliance
• Customer Focus

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical , Automotive, or Systems Engineering ( Master’s preferred)

Demonstrable experience in vehicle engineering, including:

• Vehicle integration and attribute delivery
• Proven experience in full vehicle programme delivery
• Demonstrated leadership in:
• Design and validation
• Vehicle testing (track and road)
• Production readiness
• Experience delivering vehicle DVP&R and homologation requirements
• Strong track record in problem solving using structured methods (8D, DOE, RCA)

Extensive experience in vehicle‑level engineering and system integration

• Suspension design and tuning
• Vehicle structures and chassis layouts
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and attribute development
• Proven experience delivering vehicle DVP&R and validation programmes
• Solid grounding in:
• CAD (e.g., CATIA, NX)
• GD&T
• FMEA and engineering documentation

Project & Technical Leadership

• Proven ability to lead complex vehicle programmes in a cross‑functional environment
• Experience with technical governance, design reviews, and sign‑off processes
• Strong supplier management experience, particularly for chassis and braking systems
• Good understanding of cost, timing, and programme delivery constraints
• Effective risk management and decision‑making capability
• Excellent communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences
• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence stakeholders
• Experience leading and mentoring multi‑disciplinary teams
• Customer‑focused mindset with strong stakeholder engagement skills

Industry Knowledge

• Experience in UK or European automotive OEM or Tier 1 environments

Familiarity with:

• UNECE regulations and UK type approval processes
• Electrified vehicles (BEV/HEV), especially integration of braking and steering systems
• Experience with passenger cars, commercial vehicles, or specialist vehicles

Advanced Engineering Methods

• Experience with:
• Vehicle dynamics simulation tools
• Systems engineering approaches (V‑model, requirements management tools)
• Knowledge of DOE, robustness engineering, and advanced validation techniques
• Exposure to agile or hybrid…