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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 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
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
Essential Skills
- 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.
Desirable Skills
- 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.
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.
Contact Detail:
DRVN Automotive Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automotive interior systems. Understanding current innovations and technologies can give you an edge during discussions with our team, showcasing your passion and knowledge for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automotive industry, especially those involved in interior systems. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to interior systems development. Highlighting your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills will demonstrate your capability to lead and innovate in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research DRVN Automotive Group's recent projects and initiatives, such as Evoluto. Being knowledgeable about our work will allow you to tailor your conversation and show how your skills align with our goals and values.
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 the end-to-end development process and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for automotive engineering and your understanding of the luxury vehicle market. Mention how your background aligns with the company's commitment to innovation and quality, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their exciting projects.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your experience with CAD tools like CATIA or NX, as well as your knowledge of regulatory standards and materials. These are essential skills for the role and should be clearly articulated in your application.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading teams, include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss any past roles where you guided a team or managed projects, demonstrating your ability to lead effectively in a collaborative environment.
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, focusing on your role in the design and development processes, and how you ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to CAD tools, materials, and manufacturing processes. Brush up on your knowledge of DFMEAs, DVPs, and validation plans, as well as any relevant ISO standards and homologation requirements.
✨Demonstrate a Collaborative Mindset
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've worked closely with design, safety, and manufacturing teams in the past. Highlight your ability to interface with suppliers and manage project timelines effectively.
