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- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of innovative interior systems for luxury vehicles.
- Company: Join DRVN Automotive Group, a leader in luxury automotive design and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, healthcare, life insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that redefine automotive excellence and showcase your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering with experience in automotive interior systems required.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The DRVN Automotive Group are recruiting for a Principal Engineer – Interior Systems. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and integration of all interior systems across our vehicle programmes. This includes cockpit architecture, cabin trim, seating systems, and occupant restraints.
You will be responsible for ensuring that interior systems meet functional, aesthetic, safety, and regulatory requirements while aligning with the brand’s design vision and manufacturing capabilities.
Overview of the Role- Salary: £60,000.00 - £70,000.00
- Holidays: 33 Days Holidays
- Pension
- Healthcare
- Life Insurance
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Location: Coventry
The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.
Our recent launch of Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons – including the RS200 and MK1 Escort places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen.
Key Responsibilities- Manage and follow the quality, health, safety, and welfare policies of the company
- Own the end-to-end development of interior systems from concept through to production.
- Lead system architecture, packaging, and integration of:
- Instrument panels and consoles
- Door and side trims
- Headliners and pillars
- Seating structures, comfort, and mechanisms
- Seatbelts and airbag restraint systems
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
- Experience in automotive body systems development
- Experience in automotive interior systems development
- Proven track record of delivering interior systems into production
- Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX) and PLM systems
- GD&T, can demonstrate good understanding
- Understanding importance of managing engineering change requests and claim management
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent IT skills; including but not exhaustive to PP/Outlook/Excel/Word
- Must have IDLR/Full Rights to Work in UK - Sponsorship or Work Permits will not be accepted/ provided
- Experience in low-volume or niche vehicle programmes.
- Familiarity with luxury or performance vehicle interiors.
- Hands-on approach and willingness to work across disciplines in a small team environment.
- Knowledge of ISO standards and global homologation requirements.
Please note we do not provide sponsorships to those who require it and will only accept applications from those who have full rights to work in the UK with no restrictions and IDLR/Full Settlement status. Please provide status on applications.
Our inclusive workplace welcomes and values all candidates from all backgrounds; we believe that diversity enhances our ability to innovate and serve our customers effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Principal Engineer employer: DRVN Automotive Group
Contact Detail:
DRVN Automotive Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the automotive industry, especially those who have experience in interior systems. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and technologies.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific interior systems mentioned in the job description, such as cockpit architecture and seating mechanisms. Having a solid understanding of these areas will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous projects related to automotive interior systems. Be ready to highlight your role in the development process and how you ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or team-leading experiences you’ve had. The role requires collaboration with various teams, so demonstrating your ability to lead and support others will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automotive interior systems development. Emphasise your skills in managing engineering change requests and your familiarity with CAD tools like CATIA or NX.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for automotive engineering and detail how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Principal Engineer role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on any notable projects related to interior systems or luxury vehicles, be sure to include these in your application. Highlight your role and the impact of your contributions on the project's success.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Principal Engineer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at DRVN Automotive Group
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of automotive interior systems. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, focusing on your role in the design and development processes, as well as any challenges you overcame.
✨Understand the Company's Vision
Research DRVN Automotive Group and their recent projects, like Evoluto and the reimagined Ford icons. Understanding their brand vision will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to system architecture, packaging, and integration of interior components. Brush up on your knowledge of regulatory standards and safety requirements, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills
Since the role involves leading teams and mentoring junior engineers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led projects or supported team members in the past. Highlight your communication and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for effective leadership.
