Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative exterior automotive accessories.
- Company: Join a dynamic automotive company focused on vehicle personalisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced automotive industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering and experience in automotive components.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Opportunity Accessories form a key pillar of the automotive business, delivering customer-focused vehicle personalisation solutions that enhance functionality, design, and brand differentiation. The Project Engineering role sits within the Accessory Engineering team and is responsible for the delivery of a wide range of exterior automotive accessories across multiple vehicle platforms. The role covers a diverse set of exterior commodity groups including exterior trim, roof carrying systems, functional accessories, and exterior protection systems.
Working closely with subject matter experts, design, programme, and supplier teams, the Project Engineer is responsible for translating early programme requirements and vehicle vignettes into robust technical assumptions, leading through concept development, design release, validation, and launch. The Project Engineer is accountable for projects through the full vehicle development lifecycle, from early concept through to post-launch support. This role offers exposure to multiple vehicle programmes, a variety of manufacturing technologies, and a global supplier base within a fast-paced automotive environment. Self-motivated engineers with strong delivery focus, who enjoy working across multiple commodities and vehicle programmes, will thrive in this role.
Key Performance Indicators- On-time delivery of programme gateways (PCDS / equivalent)
- Engineering sign-off achieved to programme timing
- On-time PSW completion
- No open quality or issue management actions beyond 90 days
- Collaborate with vehicle engineering, design, and programme teams during early development to define accessory concepts aligned to vehicle architecture and customer requirements
- Develop and maintain technical assumptions from concept through production readiness
- Lead the design, development, and release of exterior automotive accessories
- Generate RFQ technical inputs and cost packs to support sourcing activities
- Develop commodity delivery plans and manage supplier performance against cost, quality, and timing targets
- Identify and assess technical solutions, manufacturing methods, and suitable suppliers
- Support test and validation activities to ensure compliance with vehicle and regulatory requirements
- Lead Engineering Sign-Off (ESO) and Production Part Approval / PSW activities
- Support vehicle and accessory launch, including issue resolution during early production
- Manage engineering changes, risks, and concerns throughout the programme lifecycle
- Vehicle Engineering
- Design / Studio Engineering
- Programme Management
- Purchasing / Sourcing
- Core Engineering Functions
- Suppliers and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA)
- Quality
- Manufacturing
- Marketing, Finance, and Pricing teams
- Essential Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Experience delivering automotive components or systems, ideally within Body, Trim, or Exterior systems
- Strong understanding of vehicle development processes and gateway-based programme delivery
- Experience using digital development tools such as digital buck, virtual mock-up, or 3D visualisation tools
- Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical information at all levels
- Working knowledge of Agile or structured product development methodologies
- Understanding of PCDS / CCDS or equivalent automotive product creation systems
- Desirable Experience with OEM engineering release and change management systems
- Familiarity with automotive quality and launch processes such as APQP, PPAP/PSW, and issue management systems
- Strong data analysis and PC skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Experience leading structured problem-solving activities and cross-functional issue resolution
- Customer-focused engineer with a passion for delivering high-quality automotive products
- Results-driven and self-motivated, capable of working independently in a complex programme environment
- Able to balance short-term delivery priorities with medium-term programme planning
- Resilient, adaptable, and open to new ideas and continuous improvement
- Strong communicator, able to convey complex technical topics clearly and confidently
- Effective team player who collaborates across functions and supports team success
- Strong project management capability with the ability to manage multiple commodities and programmes simultaneously
- Confident influencer, comfortable challenging existing approaches constructively while building trust and credibility.
Lead Engineer - Exterior Accessories employer: Affluent Technology Limited
Contact Detail:
Affluent Technology Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Exterior Accessories
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects and achievements in automotive engineering. Whether it’s a cool accessory design or a successful project launch, having tangible evidence of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s products and values. Understand their approach to vehicle personalisation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailoring your responses to reflect their needs can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Exterior Accessories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your experience in automotive components, especially in exterior systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about vehicle personalisation solutions and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and concise!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Mention any experience with digital development tools or automotive quality processes like APQP and PPAP/PSW. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affluent Technology Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automotive components, especially exterior accessories. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vehicle personalisation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job. Highlight your role in the project lifecycle, from concept development to launch, and be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, practice explaining complex technical concepts in a straightforward manner. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to identify technical solutions or manage risks during a project. Be prepared to walk through your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
