Advanced Engineering Manager in Saffron Walden

Artifex Interior Systems is pleased to confirm the below opportunity within our business. We are open to applicants looking for permanent, FTC or contract models of employment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Business Development and R&D team at a key moment, as we drive new business, growth, and diversification under Tata AutoComp's strategic direction. As we enter an exciting expansion phase, you'll gain hands-on exposure to commercial activities within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. Guided by our commitment to build tomorrow's interior solutions today, we pride ourselves on living our values of Unity, Integrity, Responsibility, Pioneering and Excellence – and we're looking for motivated individuals ready to help shape our future.

Main purpose of the job

Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Advanced Engineering sub function, accountable for the performance and outcomes of multiple related teams supporting pre nomination and RFQ phases of new business. The role is responsible for translating functional objectives into departmental plans, priorities, and resource deployment that enable effective concept development, Proof of Concept validation, and early risk mitigation.

Ensure Advanced Engineering activities are aligned to business growth strategies, customer expectations, and functional objectives by integrating engineering, quality, supply chain, and commercial considerations. Lead the organisation through complex technical and organisational challenges, ensuring robust, evidence-based handover to Programme Launch teams and protecting downstream delivery.

Main missions and results

• Provide leadership to professionals within Advanced Engineering.
• Own the overall performance and delivery of the Advanced Engineering sub function across multiple concurrent pre nomination opportunities.
• Develop and maintain Departmental plans covering capability, resourcing, workload, investment priorities, and delivery timelines aligned to functional and business objectives.
• Allocate resources across projects based on business priorities, opportunity risk, customer need, and capacity constraints.
• Set the Advanced Engineering framework for concept development, feasibility assessment, Proof of Concept, and early validation, ensuring consistent application across all new business opportunities.
• Ensure comprehensive understanding and correct application of engineering principles, quality methods, supply chain constraints, and feasibility assessment tools within the Advance Engineering organisation.
• Integrate Advanced Engineering outputs into the wider function, ensuring alignment with Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Commercial strategies.
• Ensure Advanced Engineering deliverables provide decision grade evidence supporting RFQ responses, internal investment approvals, and customer technical reviews.
• Ensure Advanced Engineering teams deliver a structured, high-quality handover into Programme Launch, including: technical assumptions and constraints; risk status and FMEA intent; concept maturity and Proof of Concept learning; open actions and downstream dependencies.
• Protect Programme Launch execution by ensuring incomplete or unresolved risks are visible, funded, and correctly owned at transition.
• Influence senior leaders across functions by articulating technical risk, feasibility trade offs, and resource needs in a clear and commercially relevant manner.
• Foster strong collaboration across functions to ensure seamless integration of Advanced Engineering outputs.
• Embed a culture of early problem identification, constructive challenge, and disciplined execution.

Preferred skills and experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent job-related experience; MBA/ MS preferred.
• Significant experience, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Proven track record in Advanced Engineering, Product Innovation and Implementation.
• Prior experience in a management capacity; experience in employee development highly desirable.
• Possess high level of diplomacy for both internal and external customer contacts.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, management and communication skills.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of job-related technical skills: GD&T, DFM, DFA, CAE/FEA, CAD.
• Good working knowledge / understanding industry standards & related procedures incl. APQP/ PPAP/ IATF16949.
• Sufficient verbal and written language skills associated to IAC and the programme / operational locations.
• Adaptability in the location of work including business travel.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list. All employees are expected to show flexibility and continued self-development to meet the ever-changing needs of the business. All job descriptions / vacancy notices will be subject to continual development.

Internal closing date: Friday, 30th January 2026. Please note if you apply after this date that you may still be progressed, but depending on the volume of applications we are unable to guarantee the ability to accommodate.

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is an equal opportunities employer and committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV with your contact details. If this job isn't quite what you are looking for but you are looking for a new position within Automotive, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.