At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Structural Systems Engineering across Europe, ensuring quality and performance in automotive design.
- Company: Join a leading automotive company committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of automotive engineering while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 58309 - 71267 £ per year.
We are looking for a senior engineering leader to lead Structural Systems Engineering across Europe, with responsibility for Body-in-White (BIW), Frames & Subframes and Battery Structures.
As the European technical leader for Structural Systems, you will have end-to-end responsibility for the technical strategy, development and delivery of structural systems across UK, Merkenich and Otosan engineered products.
You will ensure that structural systems meet our targets for quality, cost, weight, functional performance, manufacturability and robustness throughout the complete product lifecycle.
This is both a technical leadership and people leadership role.
You will lead and develop the Structural Systems Engineering organization while providing technical direction across vehicle programs, taking key engineering decisions and ensuring robust engineering sign-off.
Working closely with Program Teams, Manufacturing, Purchasing, STA and suppliers, you will influence structural concepts from early development through design, validation, launch and ongoing field quality.
You will also shape the future of Structural Systems Engineering by driving new technologies, standardized engineering methods and processes, supplier capability and continuous improvement.
The role is based in Dunton and has European responsibility. Some travel is required.
- Technical Leadership & Product Delivery
- Own the end-to-end technical delivery of Structural Systems Engineering in Europe across BIW, Frames/Subframes and Battery Structures.
- Provide technical direction and decision-making across structural systems throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Ensure structural designs achieve the required balance of Quality, Cost, Weight and Functional Performance (QCWF).
- Lead critical design and technical reviews and ensure robust application of Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA).
- Ensure effective engineering verification, validation and sign-off using established methods including DFMEA and DVP&R.
- Identify technical risks early and drive cross-functional resolution before they impact launch, quality or customer experience.
- Support successful production launches and the resolution and prevention of structural systems issues in the field.
- Cross-Functional & Supplier Leadership
- Work closely with Program Teams, Studio, Manufacturing, Stamping, Purchasing, STA and suppliers to ensure technically robust and manufacturable solutions.
- Lead technical feasibility alignment between Engineering, Studio and Manufacturing during product development.
- Provide technical leadership in supplier selection, development and issue resolution.
- Develop and evaluate technical and commercial business cases to support key product and sourcing decisions.
- Represent EU Structural Systems Engineering with senior and executive leadership.
- Strategy, Technology & Continuous Improvement
- Define and communicate the technical strategy, priorities and objectives for EU Structural Systems Engineering.
- Drive benchmarking and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to body structures, frames and battery structures.
- Lead the development and deployment of standardized engineering tools, methods and processes.
- Use lessons learned and quality history to prevent recurrence and continuously improve engineering robustness.
- People & Organizational Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop engineering leaders and technical specialists across the organization.
- Build organizational capability through mentoring, technical development and succession planning.
- Establish clear priorities and ensure effective resource and budget allocation.
- Create an inclusive, collaborative engineering culture focused on technical excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
- What You'll Bring
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Significant automotive engineering experience, ideally 10+ years, within BIW/Body Structures, Frames/Subframes and/or Battery Structures.
- Deep technical understanding of structural systems engineering, including design and release, CAE, testing, validation, quality and production launch.
- Proven experience leading an engineering department or significant engineering organization.
- Strong understanding of robust engineering disciplines such as FMA, DFMEA and DVP&R.
- Demonstrated experience delivering complex engineering programs and resolving technical issues across multiple functions.
- Strong understanding of the relationship between engineering performance, manufacturing feasibility, quality, weight and cost.
- Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional partners including Manufacturing, Purchasing, STA and Program Management.
- Strong people leadership, coaching and organizational development capabilities.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics and influence senior stakeholders.
- Preferred
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 10–15 years of Structural Systems Engineering experience.
- Experience working with safety-critical automotive systems and components.
- Strong understanding of statistical analysis and engineering problem-solving methodologies.
- Working knowledge of CATIA V5.
- Demonstrated passion for developing people, technical capability and engineering processes.
- Additional Information
The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability
This position is based in Dunton and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton office for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.
As part of our pre-employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.
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Senior Manager Structural Systems Engineering – Europe employer: Ford
Join Ford Credit as a Financial Reporting Supervisor and be part of a dynamic team that values accuracy, compliance, and innovation in financial reporting. Located in Dunton, you will enjoy a flexible work environment, with the opportunity to engage directly with Senior Leadership while driving high-profile deliverables like the Annual Report & Accounts. Our commitment to diversity and employee growth ensures a supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and valued.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Structural Systems Engineering – Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Manager Structural Systems Engineering – Europe, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Ford a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Ford specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Ford
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ford, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Ford want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
