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- Tasks: Lead a team to design and deliver unique automotive features tailored to customer needs.
- Company: Gordon Murray Automotive, known for creating bespoke, high-performance vehicles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning customer ideas into innovative automotive solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering, team leadership, and knowledge of automotive design processes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering one-of-a-kind vehicles with a culture of collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Gordon Murray Automotive, bespoke features are at the heart of what makes our vehicles unique. Our Bespoke team turns individual customer ideas into real, road-ready solutions. We are looking for a Principal Engineer (Bespoke) to lead the design and delivery of these features across current and future programmes. In this role, you’ll lead a small, multidisciplinary team responsible for the design, development, and delivery of bespoke components and systems. From concept to sign-off, you’ll make sure every solution meets performance, quality, and integration standards.
This is your chance to:
- Lead and develop the Bespoke Engineering team, delivering customer-driven features and options across all programmes.
- Drive the design and development of bespoke components, including interior and exterior CMF changes, system geometry, and custom accessories.
- Provide technical guidance and direction on bespoke features, influencing programme planning and decisions.
- Oversee key engineering outputs including BoM structure, mass targets, release timing, DFMEA, DVP, and technical specifications.
- Define and communicate system and component requirements to ensure smooth integration across the vehicle.
- Lead feasibility studies, risk assessments, and FMEA from early concept through production.
- Ensure DVP testing confirms durability, reliability, and functionality of bespoke components.
- Work closely with suppliers to deliver design-for-manufacture solutions.
- Collaborate with Design, Attributes, Quality, Development, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to integrate bespoke features effectively.
- Manage project delivery and resources, balancing priorities across Bespoke engineering and R&D activities.
- Support process improvements in engineering methods, tools, and delivery approaches.
- Build positive relationships with suppliers and partners to support delivery and longer-term programme goals.
- Encourage a culture of ownership, accountability, and collaboration within the team.
About You:
- Experience at Principal Engineer level, or as a Senior Engineer ready to step up.
- Strong background in cross-functional system design and delivery, ideally with low-volume or bespoke programmes.
- Technical knowledge across interiors, exterior panels, trim, composites.
- Experience leading engineering teams, mentoring and supporting team members.
- Familiar with engineering delivery processes including DFMEA, DVP, and programme scheduling.
- Commercial awareness, including BoM, investment, and cost management.
- Understanding of relevant automotive regulations (ECE, FMVSS).
- Clear communicator, able to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience).
Why this role matters: Bespoke engineering ensures each vehicle is unique to its owner, while meeting the same high standards of performance and quality. This role is key to delivering those individual features efficiently and reliably, helping Gordon Murray Group continue to create vehicles that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Principal Engineer - Bespoke Engineering employer: Gordon Murray Automotive
Contact Detail:
Gordon Murray Automotive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Bespoke Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in bespoke engineering and cross-functional design. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you tackled challenges. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Gordon Murray Automotive. Tailor your application to show how your background aligns with our bespoke engineering goals, and let us know why you’re excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of automotive regulations. Be ready to discuss DFMEA, DVP, and how you’ve managed project delivery in the past. Confidence in your expertise will help you impress the interviewers and show that you’re the right fit for the Principal Engineer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Bespoke Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Bespoke Engineering: When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for bespoke engineering shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of turning unique customer ideas into reality. Share specific examples that highlight your creativity and problem-solving skills.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Engineer role. We love seeing how your background in cross-functional system design and delivery fits with our needs. Highlight relevant projects and experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and deliver bespoke components.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make sure your key achievements and skills stand out, as we’ll be looking for those when reviewing applications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordon Murray Automotive
✨Know Your Bespoke Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in bespoke engineering principles and practices. Brush up on your knowledge of low-volume production, custom components, and the specific technologies used in the automotive industry. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re ready to lead the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you mentored others or drove a project from concept to delivery. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and accountability within a team, as this is crucial for the Principal Engineer role.
✨Understand the Importance of Integration
Familiarise yourself with how bespoke features integrate into the overall vehicle design. Be ready to discuss your experience with cross-functional teams and how you’ve ensured smooth integration of components. This will show that you can effectively communicate requirements and manage stakeholder expectations.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about DFMEA, DVP, and other engineering processes relevant to the role. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied them in previous projects. This will demonstrate your technical knowledge and readiness to tackle the challenges of the position.