At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering for classic car body and trim restoration projects with a focus on craftsmanship.
- Company: Join a premium automotive brand dedicated to classic car restoration and bespoke manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth in a unique field.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a team that values heritage and quality craftsmanship.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for classic cars with engineering expertise to create stunning restorations.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive engineering, classic car restoration, and strong customer-facing skills required.
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 (either at work or as a hobby). 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- Engineering & Technical Delivery
- 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.
- Produce clear engineering documentation, decision records, build instructions and technical reports that support controlled project progression.
- 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, ensuring all components meet both the original vehicle's character and modern customer expectations for quality, refinement, and durability.
- Interpret and validate OEM-style CAD data, PQ release packs, legacy drawings and benchmark references to create engineering solutions that are compatible with existing vehicle geometry, classic body frameworks and restoration constraints.
- Oversee the technical integration of new body panels, carbon- or aluminium-based structures, modern sealing systems, NVH improvements and upgraded interior materials, ensuring they align with the aesthetic and functional intent of original classics while enhancing usability and longevity.
- Provide technical leadership during build phases, prototype fitting sessions, first-off parts inspections and on-vehicle validation, ensuring that bodywork and trim assemblies achieve the alignment, gap/flush standards, surface quality and tactile finishes expected of premium automotive brands.
- Work collaboratively with coachbuilding teams, panel beaters, trimmers, wood/veneer specialists, CAD surfacing engineers, paint technicians and suppliers to ensure engineering intent aligns with practical, artisanal manufacturing methods used in classic and restomod vehicle builds.
- Lead problem-solving activities using structured approaches (5-Why, Ishikawa, containment and corrective action plans) to resolve engineering issues, build inconsistencies, or supply-chain challenges during PQ phases or customer inspection milestones.
- Ensure all engineering and build activities comply with OEM-level quality systems, traceability expectations and documentation standards.
- Maintain accurate records of modifications, material selections, measurement data and testing outcomes to support customer transparency and regulatory needs.
- Provide technical expertise directly to customers, including Bentley-style programme reviews, inspection days, and engineering briefings.
- Clearly communicate design rationale, restoration strategy, engineering risks and cost drivers to ensure customer confidence and alignment throughout the project.
- Classic Car Restoration Expertise
- 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.
- Quotation & Commercial Support
- Prepare detailed, costed quotations for restoration and restomod projects, including engineering and design hours, manufacturing and build operations, parts, materials and bought-out items, tooling, fixtures and sub-assembly costs.
- 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.
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- 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.
- Continuous Improvement & Quality
- 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.
- Essential
- 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.
- Desirable
- 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.
- Methodical, organised and commercially aware.
- Strong communicator with confidence in customer interactions.
- Practical problem-solver with an appreciation for heritage and authenticity.
- Flexible and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects with varying levels of complexity.
- Passion for classic cars and high-quality automotive engineering.
Excellent package & opportunity.
Lead Engineer Body & Trim (Classic Cars) in Coventry employer: Envisage Recruitment Limited
Join a passionate team dedicated to the art of classic car restoration, where your expertise as a Lead Engineer in Body & Trim will be valued and nurtured. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and craftsmanship, offering you the chance to engage directly with clients and see your designs come to life. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on high-quality standards, this role provides a unique opportunity to work on bespoke projects that celebrate automotive heritage while integrating modern innovations.
Contact Details:
Envisage Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer Body & Trim (Classic Cars) in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you’ve got experience in classic car restoration, don’t just talk about it—show it. Bring along photos or even a portfolio of your projects to interviews. This will help us see your craftsmanship and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend classic car shows, workshops, or meet-ups. Connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your engineering solutions. We love candidates who can clearly explain their thought process and how they tackle challenges. Prepare some examples of past projects where you’ve solved problems creatively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and passionate about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer Body & Trim (Classic Cars) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Classic Cars:When you're writing your application, let your love for classic cars shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences you've had with restoration or restomod vehicles. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the work.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets to the heart of what you can bring to the team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experiences that align with our needs in body and trim engineering. It shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about the role.
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 makes it easier for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Envisage Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Classics
Brush up on your knowledge of classic car restoration techniques and materials. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on or are passionate about, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Craftsmanship
Prepare to talk about your attention to detail and craftsmanship. Bring examples of your work or detailed descriptions of past projects that highlight your skills in body and trim engineering, especially those that align with the company's focus on premium quality.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in areas like producing clear engineering documentation and managing customer expectations.
✨Engage with Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to engineering processes and problem-solving methods. Brush up on structured approaches like DFMEA and 5-Why analysis, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles to resolve issues effectively.
