We are looking for a Design Engineer to design, develop, validate, and release vehicle body interior and exterior components and assemblies throughout the product development lifecycle. Working across systems and interfaces, you will deliver innovative, lightweight, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions that meet targets for quality, function, safety, durability, appearance, craftsmanship, packaging, and regulatory compliance.
Overview of the Role
- Holidays: 33 days includes Bank Holidays
- Salary Sacrifice Pension
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Location – Coventry
Company Overview
The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.
Our recent launch of Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company's most historically significant icons - including the RS200 and MK1 Escort - places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These programmes provide our teams with an exceptional platform to contribute to some of the most exciting modernisation programmes in the industry.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Development
- Design and develop components, systems, and assemblies across body interiors and exteriors, including trim, finishes, closures, sealing, glazing, fascia, and associated mechanisms and interfaces.
- Create and maintain CAD models and engineering drawings using CATIA V5
- Develop feasible design concepts that achieve vehicle targets for:
- Function and customer usability
- Safety and regulatory compliance
- Strength and durability
- Fit, finish, appearance, and craftsmanship
- Weight, package, and NVH performance
- Cost and manufacturing efficiency
- Support vehicle architecture, packaging, interface, feasibility, and concept studies across multiple interior and exterior systems.
Engineering Analysis & Validation
- Collaborate with CAE, test, materials, manufacturing, quality, and specialist engineering teams to assess system and component performance through simulation, analysis, and physical validation.
- Implement engineering solutions based on simulation and physical test results.
- Participate in design reviews and failure investigations.
Manufacturing & Launch Support
- Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Support prototype builds and production launch activities.
- Resolve manufacturing and quality concerns through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Work with suppliers to ensure design intent and quality standards are maintained.
Program Management
- Deliver engineering releases in line with program timing and milestones.
- Manage component development through design gateways and release processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with cross functional teams with a product focused mindset.
- Support design reviews and technical presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent training in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience developing automotive body interior or exterior components and an ability to work across different systems, materials, and vehicle interfaces.
- Experience with CATIA V5 Solids and Surface Modelling
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and GD&T.
- Broad understanding of body interior and exterior design principles, component interfaces, materials, joining methods, tooling, and manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Hands-on approach and willingness to work across disciplines in a small team environment.
- Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with engineering release systems and change management processes.
Right to Work
Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Right-to-work checks will be carried out in accordance with Home Office requirements.
Equality & Inclusion Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
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Design Engineer - Body Interior & Exterior Systems in Coventry employer: DRVN Automotive Group
As a leading innovator in advanced composite solutions, this award-winning company offers a dynamic work environment where creativity and technical expertise thrive. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth through exciting projects in the aerospace and defence sectors, all while being part of a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology.
