At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the assembly and delivery of prototype vehicles in a dynamic workshop environment.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge automotive company focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automotive technology and make a real impact on future vehicles.
- Qualifications: Experience in vehicle builds and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Prototype Build Engineer to lead the delivery of prototype and rolling chassis assets through the physical build phase. This role is responsible for ensuring vehicles are assembled safely, efficiently, and to the required specification, quality, and programme timing. Acting as the engineering lead within the prototype workshop, you will combine technical leadership, build execution, and project coordination to deliver development vehicles that support validation and engineering activities across cutting-edge automotive programmes. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong workshop presence, providing direct support to technicians, driving issue resolution, coordinating engineering changes, and ensuring robust build standards throughout all prototype build phases.
Key Responsibilities
- Prototype Build Delivery
- Lead the assembly, commissioning, and sign-off of prototype vehicles and rolling chassis.
- Manage vehicle delivery from build initiation through to workshop completion and handover.
- Develop and maintain detailed build plans aligned to programme milestones.
- Coordinate workshop activities to ensure delivery targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
- Manage build resources including technicians, specialist support functions, and facilities.
- Conduct build reviews and prioritisation activities to maintain programme timing.
- Workshop Leadership
- Provide technical leadership and day-to-day direction to prototype build technicians.
- Support complex assembly activities and resolve engineering concerns.
- Ensure adherence to build standards, specifications, and safe systems of work.
- Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Lead recovery actions when timing, quality, or specification targets are at risk.
- Engineering Integration & Issue Resolution
- Act as the primary engineering interface within the prototype workshop.
- Collaborate with design and engineering teams to resolve build issues and improve vehicle maturity.
- Lead investigation and closure of vehicle build concerns.
- Manage engineering changes and specification deviations with appropriate controls.
- Support design reviews, build reviews, and cross-functional engineering activities.
- Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
- Develop and improve prototype build processes, assembly methods, and workshop procedures.
- Create and maintain build documentation and traceability systems.
- Capture lessons learned to enhance future vehicle programmes.
- Support virtual build assessments and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
- Drive improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, ergonomics, and repeatability.
- Parts, Logistics & Material Management
- Work closely with logistics and procurement teams to ensure material availability.
- Monitor critical parts and escalate shortages impacting build completion.
- Support robust parts traceability and inventory management processes.
- Coordinate prototype parts allocation and vehicle configuration management.
- Vehicle Commissioning & Handover
- Ensure vehicles are commissioned, validated, and prepared for engineering use.
- Lead audit activities to confirm build quality and specification compliance.
- Manage build documentation, configuration records, and engineering databases.
- Support vehicle sign-off and handover activities.
- Programme Delivery
- Support programme timing, resource planning, and budget activities.
- Provide regular build status updates and risk assessments.
- Support cost control and programme planning from concept to vehicle delivery.
- Health, Safety & Culture
- Champion safe working practices within the workshop environment.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures.
- Promote a positive culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain high professional and housekeeping standards.
Skills & Experience
- Extensive experience in prototype, low-volume, or high-performance vehicle builds.
- Strong understanding of vehicle assembly, manufacturing engineering, and workshop operations.
- Experience leading technicians and coordinating cross-functional teams.
- Excellent problem-solving and issue resolution skills.
- Knowledge of engineering change management and configuration control.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Experience working within automotive development or prototype environments.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge vehicle programmes in a fast-paced engineering environment, contributing to the development of next-generation automotive technologies while leading high-profile prototype build activities.
Prototype Build Engineer in Westminster employer: Gerrell & Hard
Join a forward-thinking company in Surrey as a Senior Prototype Build Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of automotive technology. With a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous improvement, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing you with the opportunity to lead high-profile projects and develop your skills in a dynamic environment. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to work alongside industry experts in a state-of-the-art workshop, making this an exceptional place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype Build Engineer in Westminster
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Gerrell & Hard, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Prototype Build Engineer in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Gerrell & Hard specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Gerrell & Hard, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Gerrell & Hard value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
