At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of world-class suspension systems for high-performance sports cars.
- Company: Join Lotus Cars, a legendary brand known for innovation and excellence in automotive engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work options, private healthcare, and 25 vacation days plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values ambition, respect, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry while working with cutting-edge technology and talented teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and strong experience in suspension system design and project management.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe. Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Suspension to join our dynamic Engineering team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.
The role involves taking technical ownership of the design and delivery of world-class suspension systems for Lotus vehicles. Reporting to the Chassis Chief Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the quality, cost, function and timing of suspension systems throughout the full product development lifecycle. You’ll lead the suspension team from a technical perspective, working with a high degree of autonomy while ensuring vehicle and system-level targets are delivered.
This is a senior engineering role with significant cross-functional responsibility, combining technical leadership, project delivery, supplier collaboration, vehicle development and team management.
What you’ll be doing:
- Take technical ownership of assigned suspension systems and components from concept through to production.
- Lead the suspension engineering team and ensure delivery against quality, cost, function and timing targets.
- Define system-level targets, specifications, standards, guidelines and engineering procedures.
- Track technical progress against programme timing plans and gateway milestones, identifying and driving corrective actions where required.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with teams including Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Quality, Software, ADAS, Manufacturing, NVH and Homologation.
- Lead the development of component and system 3D data alongside CAD design engineers.
- Authorise the technical approval and release of 3D data, 2D drawings and supporting engineering documentation.
- Develop and manage technical documentation including Engineering Specifications, DFMEAs, DVPs and Design Concept Sheets.
- Ensure robust validation through CAE simulation, rig testing and vehicle-level validation.
- Identify failure modes, define countermeasures and drive issues through to resolution.
- Support vehicle testing and development, including evaluating and debugging hardware and software.
- Work with Purchasing to support supplier selection and nomination.
- Maintain Bills of Material using Lotus PLM systems.
- Recruit, develop and support team members to maximise capability and performance.
- Travel to other sites as required to support programme delivery.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong technical knowledge of suspension system definition, design and verification, including structural suspension components, compliant mounting systems, vertical motion control and roll control.
- Strong understanding of Vehicle Dynamics and the relationship between suspension systems and vehicle-level attributes.
- Knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to suspension engineering.
- Experience of suspension electrical and software architectures and their integration into vehicle architecture.
- Technical project management experience within automotive engineering or another product-delivery environment.
- Experience working with OEM product development processes and gateway requirements from concept through to Start of Production.
- Experience with virtual and physical verification processes.
- Experience using PLM systems and CAD, including CATIA V5.
- Experience using Teamcenter.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- A well-organised and methodical approach with excellent attention to detail.
- Confidence making autonomous technical decisions.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- A self-motivated, results-focused approach and the ability to remain effective under pressure.
- Management experience.
- A full UK driving licence.
Our leadership behaviours:
You’ll be expected to demonstrate the Lotus ROAD behaviours: Respect. One Team. Ambition. Drive.
If you’re an experienced suspension engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and programme delivery capability, we’d love to hear from you.
What we offer:
- Access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) to make your commutes smoother!
- 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge-watch your favourite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
- Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non-contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
- Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
- Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress-free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
- We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.
Additional Information:
This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy.
Our Company:
Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya. As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.
Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines. We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation.
Principal Engineer – Suspension in Norwich employer: Lotus Cars
Lotus Cars is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 25 vacation days, a future-proof pension, and private healthcare, all while promoting a flexible hybrid working model. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to our legacy of innovation in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Suspension in Norwich
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Lotus Cars.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Lotus Cars love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Lotus Cars and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Suspension in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Lotus Cars and the Principal Engineer – Suspension role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lotus Cars
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Lotus Cars.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Lotus Cars.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Lotus Cars, making you a more appealing candidate.
