Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software

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 Lead Engineer to join our dynamic Engineering team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.

Summary: The purpose of this role is to develop the capabilities of the Lotus powertrain controls department, to deliver the Lotus programmes and Lotus Engineering client objectives & to provide technical input and direction to the department. Occasional travel may be required throughout the UK & Europe for testing or supplier and client visits.

What you’ll do:

• Significant experience with authoring manual C‑code software, ideally for combustion engine management systems and possibly transmission control systems.
• Creating control algorithm specifications, implementation, validation criteria and test.
• Designing engine control systems to satisfy the emissions and performance objectives of the project.
• Implementing software functions from customer requirements, including unit test and initial calibration.
• Creating and modifying calibration procedures for new or developing control algorithms.
• Adhering to existing engineering processes, as well as developing and implementing new processes to support the project and departmental objectives.
• Understanding & calibrating the engine control algorithms, using appropriate calibration tools.
• Investigating and resolving issues relating to engine and/or transmission control.
• Developing solutions relating to the integration of powertrain control systems within the whole vehicle electrical architecture.
• Carrying out vehicle and engine controls system development to Lotus or client development processes.
• Preparing for and attending offsite testing and climatic test trips if required.
• Supporting manufacturing and after-sales departments with issues relating to powertrain controls and integration.
• Leading technical aspects of smaller projects or client programmes.
• Issuing reports on development work undertaken and providing input to status reports.
• Performing and co‑ordinating technical aspects of Powertrain projects.
• Preparing Powertrain technical documentation, including reports and presentation material.
• Providing guidance on implementation and calibration of control algorithms.
• Providing technical input to proposals for new projects.
• Scheduling, supervising, amending, and correlating results from emission test work.
• Providing technical input for specifying an application ECU, I/O for new systems.
• Supporting the Chief Engineer or Executive Engineer at supplier or customer visits.
• Assisting with the career development of department engineers and junior engineers.
• Implementing and adhering to health & safety regulations.

What you’ll bring:

Essential:

• Engineering degree / HNC or equivalent experience.
• High level of ability to author manual C‑code to industry standards (MISRA).
• Thorough understanding of powertrain controls strategy and software development.
• Thorough understanding of automotive legislative requirements.
• High level PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).
• Familiarity with calibration development tools and techniques.
• Automotive powertrain experience, with recent experience of delivering hand C‑code and aspects of calibration.
• Outgoing/confident nature and ability to work as part of a team.
• Self‑reliant and self‑starting – takes responsibility for overall delivery and ownership of projects and tasks to completion.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication & leadership skills.

Desirable:

• Engineering degree, masters, PhD.
• Membership of appropriate institution (IMechE).
• Knowledge of advanced powertrain developments, with an emphasis on legislative emissions & OBD in high performance, low volume, niche applications.
• Advanced combustion analysis and calibration tools, such as DoE and calibration management tools.
• Calibration background, thorough understanding of the calibration process.
• Recent delivery of programs at a senior level within a calibration department.
• Thorough understanding of combustion engine development.

What we offer:

• Access to a Company Carscheme (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.
• Hybrid working model, 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. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without VISA sponsorship.

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.