Off-Cycle Engineer

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 with in-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.