Foundation Brake Engineer in Birmingham

Our OEM Client based in Gaydon is searching for a Foundation Brake Engineer to join their team, Inside IR35. This is a contract position with a proposed end date of 31st March 2027. Umbrella Pay Rate: £27.03 per hour.

Duties: The Foundation Brake Engineer will be responsible for supporting the definition, development, validation, and delivery of new foundation brake components. The Brakes Engineering Team brings together expertise to specify, engineer, and deliver braking systems from concept to production that meet customer braking attributes and regulatory requirements. Our mission is to deliver safe, silent, and clean braking systems.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Design, development, and release of foundation brake components.
• Ensure components meet brake regulatory, attribute, and system targets.
• Completion of Forward Model Quality processes – evidence-based design reviews and DFMEA actions and risks.
• Deliver on cost, quality, and time.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Design and validation for new Foundation Brake Hardware.
• Define commodity planning activities and deliver on cost, attribute, and quality targets.
• Test, analyse data, and report writing for component validation (DV and PV).
• Understand requirements and test procedures and support in the development of continuous requirement and standard development.
• Support the introduction of new technologies (e.g., coated discs, alternative friction materials).
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps.
• Act as a technical point of contact to develop and maintain supplier relationships.
• Support the development of key quality documents, Bill of Design, DFMEA, P Diagrams, interface, and risk matrices.
• Undertake any other work as directed by their line manager in connection with their job as may be requested.

Key Interactions: The Foundation Brake Engineer will interface with technical specialists, attributes teams, interface component engineers, internal system leads, programme teams, vehicle engineering teams, and external stakeholder leads (example attributes, vehicle systems [Supplier Technical Assistance (STA), suspension, weights, Procurement etc]).

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Hard Skills: Understanding of foundation brake system components (Brake Discs, Pads, Calipers, and shields). Good time management and project management skills. Ability to communicate clearly and work with key tier 1 suppliers.
• Soft Skills: Ability to work independently and proactively, taking full ownership and responsibility for own work; fully invested in achieving a successful result. You view things as a team rather than individual project level, considering the wider team needs. Strong interpersonal/communication skills, build relationships and communicate effectively at all levels.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience Requested:

• Hard Skills: Working knowledge of Vehicle Delivery Processes (PCDS) and release processes. Familiarity with 3D CAD, CAE Tools, and Drawing GD&T (CATIA, 3Dx etc). Experience with supplier quality processes (APQP). Understanding of relevant external regulations (UNECE, FMVSS, ECE R90 etc). Relevant degree or equivalent experience preferred / Relevant apprenticeship or equivalent experience preferred.

Essential Personal Profile Required: Someone who understands what our customers love; they are passionate about all things that impact our customers. Someone who supports team unity, who actively develops and empowers other team members. Someone with integrity & empathy who holds the customer experience above all else, even when it is challenged. Someone who embraces a growth mindset; resilient and enthusiastic who responds constructively to new ideas and inputs. Someone who understands their impact, who can work independently, is motivated by results, demonstrates tenacity, drive, and perseverance with the ability to deliver solutions in a complex, highly demanding environment. An individual who works independently, is results driven, demonstrating tenacity, drive, and perseverance with the ability to deliver operational plans in a complex, highly demanding environment. An individual with the capability to combine a short term, pragmatic focus with medium term planning. A resilient and enthusiastic individual who responds constructively to new ideas and inputs. A good communicator with the ability to communicate complex ideas. An effective team player, actively develops and supports team members.

Desirable Personal Profile Requested: An individual with the ability to challenge existing thinking in a positive way whilst building credibility and trust through experience and personal style.