Contractor - Steering Systems Engineer

Overview

Role: Contractor – Steering Systems Engineer

Location:Leamington Spa

Role :

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 successful candidate will support the development, integration, and validation of steering systems across a range of vehicle engineering projects. These projects span multiple vehicle types and applications, including defence and commercial platforms, with powertrains ranging from conventional to electrified systems.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver robust, high-performance steering solutions that meet customer requirements for performance, durability, safety, and cost
. The role requires a practical, detail-oriented engineer who can contribute across the full development lifecycle, from concept through to validation and production support.

You will collaborate closely with Design Engineers, CAE/Simulation teams, test and development engineers, and Programme teams, contributing to the successful delivery of vehicle systems.

• Support the design, development, and integration of steering systems (mechanical and electric power steering).
• Contribute to the development of system requirements, specifications, and performance targets
  .

• Ensure designs meet applicable standards, regulations, and customer requirements
  .
• Assist in maintaining technical integrity and system performance across the development lifecycle.
• Deliver steering system engineering activities from concept through to validation and production support
  .
• Translate requirements into engineering solutions
  , supporting system design and integration.
• Support identification and mitigation of technical risks and issues
  .
• Support coordination with suppliers of steering components and systems
  .

• Contribute to effectively apply structured engineering approaches to resolve design and test issues
  .
• Support root cause analysis using methods such as:
• 8D
• Fault tree analysis
• Contribute to continuous improvement of steering system design and validation processes
  .

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Systems Engineering
• Demonstrable experience in vehicle or systems engineering roles
• Steering or chassis system development
• Vehicle testing or validation activities
• Requirements, DVP&R, and engineering documentation
• Experience with commercial or off-highway vehicles is beneficial

• Willing and able to work on UK defence projects
  , including roles requiring security clearance (up to and including Secret where applicable)

• Experience in vehicle systems engineering
  , with specific experience in:
  • Steering systems (EPS, mechanical steering)
  • Steering system fundamentals and geometry
• Good understanding of:
  • Vehicle dynamics principles (steering feel, response, stability)
  • Chassis systems (suspension, brakes – awareness level)
• Familiarity with:
  • CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, Creo), GD&T and engineering drawings, DVP&R, FMEA, and engineering documentation
• Awareness of vehicle development lifecycle from concept to production
• Ability to support delivery of engineering tasks within project timelines
• Experience contributing to validation and test activities
• Good understanding of requirements management and system integration
• Strong with data analysis and engineering reporting
• Clear and effective communicator within engineering teams
• Strong team player with ability to work across disciplines
• Customer- and delivery-focused mindset

• Knowledge and…