Studio Engineer in Birmingham

Main purpose of the job

To support the translation of customer styling concepts into technically feasible, manufacturable, and high‑quality product designs. Working closely with experienced engineers and design teams, the Studio Engineer helps ensure styling intent is maintained while learning to apply engineering, packaging, manufacturing, and regulatory principles throughout the design development process. This role offers hands‑on exposure at the interface between creative design and product engineering, with structured support, mentoring, and development.

Main missions and results

• Design Feasibility & Technical Support
  • Assist in reviewing early design proposals to understand feasibility, manufacturability, and regulatory considerations, and facilitate subsequent programme success.
  • Support feasibility reviews including gap and flush, sightlines, ergonomics, and packaging, under guidance from senior engineers.
  • Develop an understanding of how design feasibility decisions impact cost, timing and customer requirements.
  • Help identify and document potential design risks and support structured problem‑solving activities.
  • Contribute to design gateway reviews and help minimise late‑stage design changes through good preparation and data quality.
• Surface Development & Integration
  • Work with customer Design and Surfacing teams to support the development of production‑ready surfaces.
  • Assist with validating surfaces against engineering, manufacturing, and tolerance requirements.
  • Support management of interfaces between studio surfaces and package data to maintain alignment with vehicle hard points.
  • Help ensure surfaces reflect both styling intent and basic engineering constraints.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Support senior engineers as part of cross‑functional teams across Design, Body Engineering, and Manufacturing.
  • Help translate engineering requirements into clear, practical feedback for designers.
  • Participate in design reviews and issue‑resolution meetings, building confidence in technical communication.
  • Develop strong working relationships through a collaborative, curious, and professional approach.
• Package And Model Development Support
  • Assist with analysis of package layouts to check alignment with system, architectural, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide hands‑on support during clay, digital, and physical model development activities.
  • Review physical models, digital data, and VR environments with guidance to confirm feasibility and intent.
  • Help ensure studio models reflect solutions that are viable for production.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Early career engineer or graduate with some proven experience in automotive engineering, product design, or a related field.
• Experience working in cross functional or project‑based teams (including placements or internships).
• Exposure to customer facing environments is beneficial but not essential.
• Foundational understanding or exposure to CATIA V5 modelling, CAD data management tools, vehicle architecture fundamentals, gap & flush, ergonomics, and automotive interior systems.
• Advanced tools, A class surfacing, and formal APQP / PPAP experience are advantageous but not required and can be developed in role.

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.

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is an equal opportunities employer committed to eliminating discrimination and fostering an inclusive culture for all. Our aim is that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society, that they feel respected and able to perform at their best. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our colleagues is recognised.