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- Tasks: Lead engineering for bespoke body and trim solutions in classic car restoration.
- Company: Join a premium automotive brand focused on heritage vehicle craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for classic cars with cutting-edge engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive engineering and classic vehicle restoration required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Automotive Body & Trim Lead Engineer with a strong background in classic car restoration and restomod vehicle programmes. This role combines hands-on engineering knowledge with strong commercial and customer-facing skills. The successful candidate will support the design, engineering and manufacture of bespoke body and trim solutions, prepare detailed and accurate customer quotations and act as a technical interface between engineering, production, suppliers and clients.
The role requires a meticulous approach to craftsmanship, a deep understanding of heritage vehicle construction and the ability to translate engineering solutions into clearly defined scopes of work and costs.
Key Responsibilities- Deliver OEM-level engineering capability for body and trim systems, ensuring all work meets the premium craftsmanship, fit-and-finish expectations typical of modern OEMs.
- Lead the end-to-end technical definition of customer-commissioned Body & Trim projects, ensuring engineering outputs comply with PQ (Pre-Qualification) and gated programme requirements.
- Conduct detailed DFMEA, technical risk assessments, and manufacturing feasibility studies to ensure that proposed body structures, trim concepts, and restoration methods are robust, serviceable and deliverable within customer budgets and programme timing.
- Support the engineering of heritage-correct body shells, door systems, closures, brightwork, glazing and bespoke interior trim.
- Interpret and validate OEM-style CAD data, PQ release packs, legacy drawings and benchmark references to create engineering solutions.
- Oversee the technical integration of new body panels, carbon- or aluminium-based structures, modern sealing systems, NVH improvements and upgraded interior materials.
- Provide technical leadership during build phases, prototype fitting sessions, first-off parts inspections and on-vehicle validation.
- Work collaboratively with coachbuilding teams, panel beaters, trimmers, wood/veneer specialists, CAD surfacing engineers, paint technicians and suppliers.
- Lead problem-solving activities using structured approaches to resolve engineering issues, build inconsistencies, or supply-chain challenges.
- Ensure all engineering and build activities comply with OEM-level quality systems, traceability expectations and documentation standards.
- Provide technical expertise directly to customers, including Bentley-style programme reviews, inspection days, and engineering briefings.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of classic vehicle construction methods, materials and period-correct finishes.
- Assess vehicle condition, restoration scope and technical risk during project definition.
- Advise on repair vs replacement decisions for body and trim components.
- Ensure restorations respect original design intent while integrating suitable modern upgrades where required.
- Prepare detailed, costed quotations for restoration and restomod projects.
- Break down work scopes clearly to support customer understanding and internal planning.
- Support change management by preparing revised quotes for scope changes or engineering updates.
- Work with commercial and operations teams to ensure quotations are realistic, achievable and profitable.
- Act as a customer-facing technical representative, explaining engineering solutions, repair strategies and cost drivers clearly and professionally.
- Participate in customer meetings, vehicle inspections and project reviews.
- Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their expectations for quality, authenticity and delivery.
- Provide clear technical input to support sales, programme planning and customer decisions.
- Contribute to improving quotation accuracy, cost databases and estimation processes.
- Capture lessons learned from completed projects to improve future engineering and costing activities.
- Support quality standards and attention to detail expected in high-end automotive restoration and bespoke manufacture.
- Proven experience as an engineer within automotive body and trim, classic car restoration, or low-volume / bespoke vehicle manufacture.
- Strong understanding of classic vehicle structures, body construction, trim systems and restoration techniques.
- Experience working on restomod or heritage vehicle programmes.
- Ability to produce clear, detailed and accurate quotations for engineering and manufacturing work.
- Comfortable in a customer-facing role, able to explain technical and commercial topics clearly.
- High level of attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship and quality.
- Experience with CAD systems and interpreting surface data and legacy drawings.
- Knowledge of modern materials and processes applied within a classic vehicle context.
- Background working with premium or luxury automotive brands.
- Understanding of low-volume manufacturing, prototype builds and bespoke production.
Excellent package & opportunity.
Lead Engineer Body & Trim in Coventry employer: Envisage Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Envisage Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer Body & Trim in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join forums, or even hit up social media groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your classic car restoration projects and engineering feats. This is your chance to visually demonstrate your craftsmanship and attention to detail, which are key in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and customer engagement skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled engineering challenges in past projects and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to the exciting world of classic car restoration.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer Body & Trim in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your background in classic car restoration and restomod projects. We want to see how your hands-on engineering knowledge aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: When preparing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences, especially when it comes to technical aspects. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Lead Engineer role. Mention how your experience meets the expectations for premium craftsmanship and customer engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Envisage Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Classics
Brush up on your knowledge of classic vehicle construction methods and restoration techniques. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving body and trim systems. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Master the Quotation Game
Understand how to prepare detailed, costed quotations for restoration projects. Familiarise yourself with the components that go into these quotes, such as engineering hours and materials. Being able to explain this clearly will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Craftsmanship
Highlight your attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship during the interview. Share examples of how you’ve ensured premium quality in past projects, particularly in high-end restorations or bespoke builds. This will resonate well with their expectations.
✨Engage with Technical Challenges
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving in engineering contexts. Use structured methods like 5-Why or Ishikawa to demonstrate your analytical skills. This will show that you can handle the technical challenges that come with the role.