Lead Engineer – Lighting

The DRVN Automotive Group are seeking a Lighting Lead Engineer to join a small, fast-moving engineering team responsible for the development of high-performance and specialist vehicle programmes. The role will provide technical and delivery leadership for complete vehicle lighting systems throughout the product development lifecycle. Acting as the primary engineering interface for headlamps, tail lamps and associated exterior lighting, the role leads requirements capture, concept selection, optical and electronic integration, supplier delivery, validation, homologation, launch and series-production support. The role works across Design, Body, Electrical/Electronic, Software, Vehicle Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality and the supply base to deliver compliant, distinctive, robust and cost-effective lighting systems to programme timing, performance, quality and investment targets. Overview of the Role 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 projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen. Key Responsibilities Own engineering delivery of front and rear lighting systems from concept through design, verification, release, launch and series production, including headlamps, tail lamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators, stop lamps, position lamps, reversing lamps, rear fog lamps, side markers, reflectors and, where applicable, front fog, cornering and adaptive lighting functions. Translate vehicle, styling, customer, legal and attribute requirements into controlled system, component and interface specifications covering optical performance, appearance, packaging, electrical load, diagnostics, thermal management, sealing, serviceability, mass, cost and timing. Lead package and feasibility reviews, resolving interfaces with Class-A surfaces, body structure, bumpers, closures, trim, wiring, controllers, sensors, software and vehicle networks while protecting build variation, aiming and adjustment requirements. Establish and maintain the lighting delivery plan, engineering bill of materials, requirement status, design maturity, issue log, risk register and gateway evidence; escape threats with clear recovery actions. Chair technical reviews and lead structured problem-solving, failure investigation, design change and corrective action through to verified closure. Support sourcing strategy, supplier selection and technical bid evaluation; define RFQ technical content, statements of work, deliverables, acceptance criteria and change-control expectations for lighting systems. Lead the nominated supplier against agreed APQP and programme milestones, including concept freeze, optical feasibility, design freeze, tooling release, design verification, product validation, production approval and start of production. Track supplier engineering, tooling, prototype, test, homologation and production-readiness deliverables; challenge assumptions, manage open points and implement recovery plans where timing, cost or quality is at risk. Manage component targets and status for piece cost, tooling investment, mass, quality, warranty, capacity and timing, providing accurate gateway reporting and engineering input to commercial decisions. Assess supplier capability in optical design, simulation, electronics, software, moulding, coating, joining, sealing, photometry, end-of-line test, traceability and volume industrialisation. Validation, Homologation ensure deviations are risk assessed, authorised and closed. Support quality planning and production approval through control-plan review, dimensional and photometric capability, leak testing, end-of-line functional tests, traceability, appearance standards and issue containment. Manufacturing, Launch