Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer in Repton

About Us

Gibson Technology is globally recognised for engineering excellence in designing, developing and manufacturing high-performance engines and powertrain systems for world-leading race series. Renowned for our LMP2 powertrains, we’ve been delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that push the limits of performance for over 40 years. Our achievements can be attributed to our highly skilled and committed workforce consistently delivering excellence and innovation at the highest level of motorsport.

Are you ready to lead innovation at the cutting edge of powertrain engineering? We have an exceptional opportunity for a Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer to shape the next generation of high-performance Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and advanced powertrain systems. As a strategic technical leader, you’ll set the vision, guide engineering teams and drive innovation for powertrain systems across a diverse range of projects. From pushing the limits of performance to exploring pioneering technologies, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering our engineering direction and influencing key organisational decisions.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development of advanced powertrain systems and high-performance ICE technology.
• Undertake powertrain system and control design, development, test, commission and operation for a broad range of demanding endurance race applications.
• Align engineering innovation with the company’s strategic business goals.
• Guide, mentor and inspire engineers within your network, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure our technology remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

This is more than a technical role—it’s your opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our products, our teams and our future. Alongside the responsibilities of a Senior Applications Engineer, you’ll take on Principal-level leadership to set the standard for powertrain systems engineering excellence. If you have the vision, drive and expertise to lead at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Direction setting for ICE and Powertrain Systems Development: Create and set the system-level technical direction for the development and optimisation of motorsport products and engine-based performance powertrains. As primary system specialist this will involve defining and delivering system roadmaps, concepts, architecture, control, test and operation.
• Set direction and lead the company’s selection and use of appropriate powertrain and system development simulation tools and equipment.
• Set and maintain the standards and processes required to meet the technical direction including all associated project activities and documentation.
• Collaborate with company leadership to define and integrate powertrain system development engineering initiatives into the broader business strategy.
• Technical Leadership: Lead powertrain development activities including engine and ancillary component operation in simulation, Labcar, dynamometer and vehicle applications (as necessary).
• Development and fine-tuning powertrain control strategies, optimising whole-powertrain calibrations, undertaking data analysis from track testing and dyno sessions, conducting root cause analysis and solution generation for engine and powertrain operational issues.
• Serve as a group Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing guidance and leadership for complex technical challenges and critical decisions to both engineering and leadership staff as appropriate.
• Define and articulate the long-term vision and strategy for powertrain and system engineering within the organisation across the whole lifecycle: concept, architecture, system development, control, test and sign off.
• Identify emerging technologies, trends and opportunities to maintain a competitive edge in powertrain system development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide remote race support with rapid diagnostics, troubleshooting and implementation of solutions prior to or during race weekends under pressure.
• Work closely with other technical leaders, project leaders and key stakeholders to align engineering efforts with company strategic, project and customer goals.
• Manage timelines, performance, resource alignment and budgets for engine and powertrain development engineering tasks within larger projects.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Act as a mentor and advisor to senior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Build and develop technical capabilities within the organisation, identifying skill gaps and driving training initiatives.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation by championing and implementing new methodologies, tools and technologies within the organisation.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, cost reduction, sustainability and scalability of powertrain system development activities.

Essential Skills for this Role

Key Competencies: Strategic, system-level thinking combined with a practical and pragmatic approach to solving critical technical challenges. Excellent analytical problem-solving skills combined with excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to organise and successfully lead multiple complex technical subjects across multiple projects and to prioritise tasks effectively to meet objectives. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of communicating and influencing internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Passion for performance, innovation and competition.

What we are looking for

Degree in an appropriate engineering subject and/or 8-years of experience in a similar engineering role ideally within modern motorsport powertrain engineering or high-performance automotive engineering sector. Demonstrable hands-on experience in a broad range of engine and powertrain system development, race engineering or performance road car engine applications for, for example, FIA, WEC, GT3, Formula, or OEM motorsport divisions. Deep understanding of combustion engines with respect to design, construction, optimisation, thermodynamics and combustion control. Highly experienced and expert-level powertrain system performance optimisation, control, calibration and reliability engineering in a fast-paced, competitive development environment. Wide working knowledge of specialist engine and powertrain engineering and control software including design, simulation and test such as Ricardo WAVE, GT-Power, INCA, CANalyser, Pi Toolbox, MATLAB/Simulink and appropriate 1-D combustion / thermodynamic modelling tools.

Benefits

Competitive salary, career growth and training opportunities, company pension scheme, supportive and dynamic work environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join our team. Normal working hours are Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm and, due to our location in Repton, Derbyshire, we recommend applicants have access to their own vehicle. Competitive salary in line with experience and market rates with full details provided at the point of initial contact.

Closing Date for applications: 31st March 2026. We can’t wait to hear from you! If you are passionate about systems engineering and want to be part of a dynamic team, please send your CV and a cover letter to our recruiting team.