Off-Cycle Engineer in Horsham

Our OEM Client based in Gaydon is searching for an Off-Cycle 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 purpose of this role is to drive the off-cycle engineering activities associated with Cockpit a-surface parts including trim, finisher and veneers.
• Off cycle teams are not typically aligned to vehicle programme timing; they are given the time and remit to drive short-, medium- and long-term activities dedicated to growing the “body of knowledge” for Trim and a-surface Cockpit parts.
• This typically includes authoring and updating Bills of Design and DFMEA's, defining and progressing innovation and technology projects, writing commodity strategies and supporting Programme teams within depth knowledge of their trim and a-surface parts.
• This may include support with resolving quality issues as well as some level of part releasing.
• Off-Cycle Lead Engineers will report into the relevant Chapter Leader and also work with Product Owners in an Agile framework.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Ability to demonstrate good knowledge of Cockpit system design, function and performance, in particular trim and a-surface parts.
• Ability to demonstrate experience of Cockpit system component production and manufacturing technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, with evidence of ability to communicate at all levels.
• CAD capability desirable (Catia V5 / V6) and ability to use associated visualisation tools.
• Significant experience in use of engineering tools including FMEA, Six Sigma problem resolution etc.
• Strong PC literacy including Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Word etc.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Support the growth of the “body of knowledge” for Trim and a-surface parts including Bill of Design, DFMEA, commodity strategy documents and innovation plans.
• Define and update requirements and test specifications associated with trim and a-surface parts.
• Support on cycle teams with knowledge of trim and a-surface parts, as well as supporting quality issue resolution.
• Conduct benchmarking studies to establish best practice design and engineering solutions.
• Interact with key suppliers to ensure the company is aware of all future component and manufacturing technologies.
• Define and manage appropriate test plans to support validation of future concepts and issue resolutions.
• Drive environmental and sustainability initiatives within the Trim and a-surface part domain.
• Provide input into new feature development and progress activities to demonstrate application readiness.
• Work with all stakeholders such as Design, Attribute teams, Perceived quality to ensure an aligned strategy.
• Maintain awareness of all relevant legal and industry regulations associated with Trim and a-surface parts.
• Undertake any other work as directed by their line manager in connection with their job as may be requested from time to time.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Knowledge of the design fundamentals of plastic automotive components, ideally with some knowledge of one or more of the following: Veneer/finisher technologies, Plastic component design for function, Plastic component design for manufacture, wrapping processes, Geometric control, Material selection.
• Experience of supporting programmes delivery for cockpit/interiors from concept till J1.
• Previous experience of leading the resolution of business, technical and process issues within a Project Team environment.
• A good working knowledge of product creation & delivery, change control, product definition and change management processes.
• High communication and interpersonal skills, with strong influencing and engagement skills.

Essential Education Required:

• Degree or relevant equivalent experience.