Lead Engineer in Nuneaton

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal‑management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative‑energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck – Dana provides the world’s original‑equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

The Lead Engineer will take ownership of delivering software and managing related activities for complex automotive embedded controllers used in electrified powertrain systems, with a focus on understanding complete powertrain architecture, interfaces and transmission control, ideally Dual Clutch / Automated Manual Transmissions or electrified axles. This role combines technical leadership, hands‑on engineering, and an interest toward managing technical resources, working with customers and other engineering disciplines for best technical and commercial decisions. You will manage one or multiple projects for Dana customers and act as a key technical authority throughout the V‑cycle, from requirements elicitation to production sign‑off. You might also manage other technical personnel within Dana’s global software and control team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead software development and validation activities for electrified powertrain and transmission control systems.
• Ensure adherence to complete V‑cycle processes, including requirements management, design, implementation, and formal testing.
• Own delivery responsibility for modules within application software for global programs, coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Drive team members in delivering best technical solutions that meet customer and internal needs.
• Oversee commissioning, debugging, and optimization of electrified powershifting transmission systems.
• Ensure seamless integration of software with vehicle system architectures and communication networks (CAN‑FD, XCP).
• Implement Functional Safety standards and ensure designs are fit for purpose.
• Maintain rigorous validation and verification processes for production‑level software.
• Mentor and/or manage engineers and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively across global teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Education And Qualifications

Ideally hold a Master’s degree in automotive systems engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering related to software development and/or powertrain calibration.

Skills and Competencies

• Core experience of algorithm design & implementation in a model‑based environment using Matlab/Simulink or Ascet‑SD.
• Extensive vehicle and/or test‑rig based development experience for transmission software delivery, testing and engineering sign‑off.
• Deep understanding of vehicle and controller communication networks; e.g. CAN, CAN‑FD, XCP.
• Good awareness of Functional Safety, Cybersecurity and safety/security practices according to ISO26262.
• Proven track record of knowledge and implementation of the fundamentals of automated transmission and electrified powertrain control.
• Knowledge of calibration tools (ideally CANape).
• Innovative with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• Good understanding of the interface and interactions between electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to solve engineering problems using a structured, logical approach.
• Confident communicator who can build rapport quickly and influence at all levels across a global organisation.
• Organisational skills with ability to prioritise effectively.
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethical behaviour in self and others; commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Experience managing technical and global resources people is a definite plus.
• Ability to work in a matrix organisation.