Powertrain Engineer - Engine in Guildford

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation. We help businesses harness unrelenting technological change to successfully deliver innovations that will help them gain a competitive advantage and improve the everyday lives of people around the globe.

As part of our continued support to a major automotive client, we are seeking a Powertrain Engine Engineer to support the design, development, and delivery of high-performance combustion engine components and subsystems across vehicle programmes. Reporting to the Senior Powertrain Engineer, the role focuses on identifying, analysing, and resolving powertrain component issues encountered in service while contributing to the development and integration of robust engineering solutions. Working within a multidisciplinary team of powertrain engineers and technical experts, the successful candidate will take ownership of component and subsystem design from concept through to delivery, ensuring alignment with programme targets for cost, quality, and timing. The role also involves close collaboration with vehicle integration teams, suppliers, and development partners to ensure seamless integration of engine systems within the wider vehicle architecture. This position offers the opportunity to influence the application of existing and emerging technologies within high-performance vehicle programmes while supporting the delivery of innovative powertrain solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine components and subsystems from concept through development and release for vehicle programmes.
• Investigate and resolve powertrain failures identified in service, implementing robust engineering solutions.
• Support the design and integration of engine systems within the wider vehicle architecture.
• Contribute to the evaluation and application of appropriate powertrain technologies across engine programmes.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Utilise methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Fishbone/Ishikawa, and IS/IS NOT analysis.
• Manage Quality Concern Reports (QCRs) and Quality Notifications (QNs), ensuring effective resolution and documentation.
• Ensure engine components integrate effectively with vehicle systems and meet programme requirements.
• Coordinate Design for Assembly, Manufacture, and Service reviews with relevant departments.
• Ensure delivery of components and subsystems in line with programme timing and the Engineering Timing Release Schedule (ETRS).
• Create and maintain technical documentation including technical specifications, DFMEA, and DVP documentation.
• Manage component and subsystem Bills of Materials (BoM) within SAP.
• Support design release activities in line with the organisation’s Automotive Development Process.
• Liaise with suppliers and development partners to deliver components to defined technical specifications and programme timelines.
• Support vehicle attribute owners with development reporting and performance evaluation.
• Prepare and present engineering updates for internal and external project reviews.
• Support component testing, validation, and evaluation activities.
• Collaborate with the wider powertrain team during development, manufacturing launch, and vehicle integration activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A 2:1 degree classification or higher is desirable.
• Additional training or certification in powertrain development processes or automotive engineering tools is advantageous.

Essential skills

• Strong technical knowledge of high-performance engine components and subsystems.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and Root Cause Analysis.
• Ability to develop engineering solutions from concept through production release.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP, and technical specification documentation.
• Understanding of quality concern management processes and engineering investigation procedures.
• Experience using CATIA V5 (2D and 3D) for engineering investigation and design activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation and reporting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines and suppliers.

Desired skills

• Experience working within APQP or similar automotive development frameworks, including FMEA, component planning, and PPAP.
• Familiarity with SAP-based project management and BoM systems.
• Understanding of Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis for static and dynamic mechanical loading.
• Experience supporting vehicle attribute development and performance analysis.
• Exposure to supplier management or collaboration with Tier-1 component suppliers.

Experience

• Experience working within automotive OEM or Tier-1 powertrain engineering environments is desirable.
• Demonstrated involvement in the design and development of engine components or systems within vehicle programmes.
• Experience supporting component development through concept, design validation, and production release.
• Track record of collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to deliver engineering solutions to defined cost, timing, and quality targets.

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges.
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects.
• Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses.
• Competitive company benefits.
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo.
• As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to: Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible, communicating and promoting vacancies, offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job, anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required, supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive.