Chief Engineer

Position summary

Lead end-to-end technical delivery of vehicle programmes and act as the technical authority for the complete vehicle. Own vehicle-level integration and performance across chassis, suspension, steering, braking and vehicle dynamics, ensuring safety, durability and regulatory compliance through concept, design, validation and production.

Key responsibilities

Vehicle technical authority: own vehicle integration, architecture and attribute delivery (ride & handling, steering feel, braking performance, NVH/comfort).
Programme delivery: lead cross-functional engineering from concept to production; translate requirements into system targets and deliverables; manage risks/issues to hit cost, timing and quality.
Validation ownership: define and execute vehicle-level DVP&R, including dynamics, durability/structural, steering and braking validation; oversee prototypes, builds and test campaigns (rig/track/road).
Cross-functional leadership: align chassis/powertrain/EE/body, manufacturing and validation teams; represent engineering in customer reviews, programme gates and technical/regulatory audits.
Supplier performance: manage key suppliers/partners (especially chassis, steering and braking) to meet performance and quality targets.
Problem-solving & improvement: lead complex integration issue resolution using RCA/8D/DOE; drive continuous improvement and innovation (e.g., lightweight chassis, advanced suspension, electrified brake/steer integration).
Governance & sign-off: lead design reviews, maintain engineering artefacts (DVP&R, FMEA, specs, test plans), ensure change control and final technical readiness sign-off.

Must-have experience & skills

Significant experience in vehicle integration and vehicle-level engineering delivery.
Deep chassis systems expertise: suspension, steering (incl. EPS), braking (ABS/ESC, regen blending where relevant), chassis structures/architecture.
Strong vehicle dynamics/attribute development background and hands-on validation leadership.
Proven leadership of complex, cross-functional vehicle programmes and technical governance/sign-off.
Solid engineering fundamentals: CAD exposure (CATIA/NX), GD&T, FMEA, documentation discipline.
Confident communicator with customers and stakeholders; able to lead/mentor multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred

OEM or Tier 1 experience (UK/EU), familiarity with UNECE / type approval.
Electrified vehicle integration (BEV/HEV) particularly brake/steer integration.
Systems engineering / requirements management, simulation tools, robustness/DOE methods.

Qualifications

BEng/BSc in Mechanical/Automotive/Systems Engineering (MEng/MSc preferred).
Strong track record delivering production-ready vehicles in a regulated environment