At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of powertrain controls for high-performance sports cars.
- Company: Join Lotus Cars, a legendary brand in automotive innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car scheme, 25 vacation days, performance bonuses, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible working policy and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of electric performance vehicles.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and strong C-code software skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 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:
- We provide 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. Candidates must be eligible to work in 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.
Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software in Norwich employer: Lotus UK Manufacturing
At Lotus Cars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where innovation and teamwork thrive. As a Paint Lead in our state-of-the-art facility in Hethel, you'll not only lead a dedicated team but also enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth within a globally recognised automotive brand. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a focus on employee well-being, joining us means becoming part of a passionate community committed to excellence in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software 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 UK Manufacturing.
✨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!
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Lotus UK Manufacturing 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 Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software 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 UK Manufacturing and the Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software 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 UK Manufacturing
✨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 UK Manufacturing.
✨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 UK Manufacturing.
✨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 UK Manufacturing, making you a more appealing candidate.
