Principal Engineer - Bespoke

Principal Engineer - Bespoke

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to design and deliver bespoke automotive features that make vehicles unique.
  • Company: Gordon Murray Automotive, known for innovation and quality in bespoke vehicle engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical scheme, enhanced pension, and generous holiday allowances.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by creating one-of-a-kind vehicles tailored to individual customer needs.
  • Qualifications: Experience in engineering leadership and cross-functional system design, ideally in bespoke programmes.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and continuous improvement in automotive engineering.

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.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a small, multidisciplinary team responsible for the design, development, and delivery of bespoke components and systems.
  • Ensure every solution meets performance, quality, and integration standards from concept to sign-off.
  • 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.

Benefits

  • Competitive Base Salary
  • Private Medical Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
  • Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
  • Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
  • Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs. Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application. All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

Principal Engineer - Bespoke employer: Gordon Murray Group

At Gordon Murray Automotive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in Shalford, our team enjoys competitive benefits including a private medical scheme, enhanced pension plans, and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Join us to lead bespoke engineering projects that make each vehicle unique, while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to excellence in automotive design.
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Contact Detail:

Gordon Murray Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Bespoke

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the automotive industry, especially those at Gordon Murray Automotive. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and how they relate to bespoke engineering. This will help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Engineer.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Gordon Murray Automotive.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Bespoke

Leadership Skills
Cross-Functional System Design
Bespoke Engineering
DFMEA
DVP
Technical Guidance
Project Management
Risk Assessment
Supplier Collaboration
Communication Skills
Commercial Awareness
Automotive Regulations Knowledge
Mentoring Skills
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience at the Principal Engineer level or as a Senior Engineer. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered bespoke solutions in the past, so don’t hold back!

Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application to showcase your technical knowledge across interiors, exterior panels, and composites. We love details, so mention any relevant engineering delivery processes you’re familiar with, like DFMEA and DVP.

Communicate Clearly: We value clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how you’ve collaborated with different teams and stakeholders in previous roles.

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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gordon Murray Group

✨Know Your Bespoke Engineering Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on bespoke engineering principles and the specific technologies used in low-volume automotive production. Familiarise yourself with Gordon Murray Automotive's unique approach to bespoke features, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored team members and driven successful project outcomes, especially in cross-functional environments. This is crucial for a Principal Engineer role.

✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss technical aspects such as DFMEA, DVP, and BoM structures. You might be asked to explain how you would approach a feasibility study or risk assessment for bespoke components, so having concrete examples from your past experience will be beneficial.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would manage relationships with suppliers and internal teams, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and timelines.

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