Principal Powertrain Engineer

About Us

Gibson Technology is globally recognised for engineering excellence in designing, developing and manufacturing high-performance engines and powertrain systems for world-leading race series. Renowned for our LMP2 powertrains, we’ve been delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that push the limits of performance for over 40 years. Our achievements can be attributed to our highly skilled and committed workforce consistently delivering excellence and innovation at the highest level of motorsport.

Are you ready to lead innovation at the cutting edge of powertrain engineering? We have an exceptional opportunity for a Principal Powertrain Engineer to shape the next generation of high-performance internal combustion engines and advanced powertrain systems. As a strategic technical leader, you’ll set the vision, guide engineering teams and drive breakthrough innovation across a diverse range of projects. From pushing the limits of performance to exploring pioneering technologies, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering our engineering direction and influencing key organisational decisions.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development of advanced powertrain systems and high-performance ICE technology.
• Mentor and inspire senior engineers fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Align cutting-edge engineering innovation with the company’s strategic business goals.
• Ensure our technology remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

This is more than a technical role—it’s your opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our products, our teams and our future. Alongside all the responsibilities of a Senior Powertrain Engineer, you’ll take on Principal-level leadership to set the standard for powertrain engineering excellence. If you have the vision, drive and expertise to lead at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Direction setting for Engine and Powertrain Development: Create and set technical direction for the development and optimisation of motorsport and road-going performance engine-based powertrains including roadmaps, concepts, specifications, architecture definitions, control and operation whilst always ensuring alignment with company objectives. Set and maintain the standards and processes required to meet the technical direction including all associated group activities and documentation. This may include internal department workflows, meeting industry or governing body standards, safety regulations and customer requirements. Collaborate with company leadership to define and integrate powertrain system development engineering initiatives into the broader business strategy. Set direction and lead the company’s selection and use of appropriate powertrain development simulation tools and equipment. Set and maintain high standards of workmanship in both technical and administrative tasks.
• Technical Leadership: Define and articulate the long-term vision and strategy for development engineering within the organisation across the whole powertrain lifecycle: concept, architecture, system development, control, test and sign off. Lead practical powertrain development activities including, but not limited to, engine and ancillary component operation in dynamometer and vehicle applications (as necessary), developing and fine-tuning engine and wider powertrain control strategies, optimising whole-engine calibrations, undertaking data analysis from track testing and dyno sessions, conducting root cause analysis and solution generation for engine and powertrain operational issues. Serve as a group Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing guidance and leadership for complex technical engine and powertrain challenges and critical decisions to both engineering and leadership staff as appropriate. Identify emerging technologies, trends and opportunities to maintain a competitive edge in powertrain system development. Undertake responsibility for delivery of all appropriate group outputs including system reviews, documentation, reports, analysis, calculations, approvals, sign-offs and recommendations. Establish and enforce high engineering standards, ensuring technical excellence across all activities. Set priorities, allocate staff resources, monitor and report on department work activities. Undertake delegated activities and provide support for Head of Engineering and Projects as requested.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other technical leaders, project leaders and key stakeholders to align engineering efforts with company strategic, project and customer goals. Support race engineering with rapid diagnostics, troubleshooting and implementation of solutions prior to or during race weekends under pressure. Contribute to project and wider business planning, risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Manage timelines, performance, resource alignment and budgets for engine and powertrain development engineering tasks within larger projects. Ensure that all group project activities comply with appropriate regulatory standards, safety requirements and best practices. Represent the powertrain development engineering function in cross-disciplinary and executive-level discussions. Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and external partners to support strategic initiatives.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Act as a mentor and advisor to senior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Build and develop technical capabilities within the organisation, identifying skill gaps and driving training initiatives. Inspire and motivate teams to achieve excellence while promoting innovation and creativity.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation by championing and implementing new methodologies, tools, and technologies within the organisation. Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, cost reduction, sustainability and scalability of all engine and powertrain development activities. Lead the assessment, maintenance and continuous improvement of department and wider company processes and standards.

Any other duties or responsibilities reasonably requested by the management of the company during its normal business.

Essential Skills for this Role

Key Competencies: Strategic thinking combined with a practical and pragmatic approach to solving critical technical and organisational challenges. Excellent analytical problem-solving skills combined with excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of communicating and influencing internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Excellent leadership and mentorship abilities with the ability to inspire and guide teams toward shared goals. Ability to organise and successfully lead multiple complex technical projects and prioritise tasks effectively to meet objectives. Commitment to innovation, excellence, quality, safety, teamwork and continuous improvement. Passion for performance, innovation and competition.

What we are looking for: Degree in an appropriate engineering subject and/or 8-years of experience in a similar engineering leadership role ideally within modern motorsport powertrain engineering or high-performance automotive engineering sector. 7–10+ years of hands-on experience in a broad range of engine and powertrain development, race engineering or performance road car engine applications. Experience with FIA, WEC, GT3, Formula, or OEM motorsport divisions is highly advantageous. Expert-level knowledge and effective leadership of a broad range of engine and transmission development, analysis, optimisation and control. Deep understanding of combustion engines with respect to design, construction, optimisation, thermodynamics and combustion control. Highly experienced in engine performance optimisation, calibration, reliability engineering and technical leadership in a fast-paced, competitive development environment. Experienced in interpreting high-resolution data logs from dyno, telemetry, CAN networks and onboard sensors to guide future development. Highly proficient in a wide knowledge of specialist engine and powertrain engineering and control software including design, simulation and test such as Ricardo WAVE, GT-Power, INCA, CANalyser, Pi Toolbox, MATLAB/Simulink and appropriate 1-D combustion / thermodynamic modelling tools. Strong familiarity of industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements. Experience in driving organisational change and aligning engineering strategies with business goals is advantageous. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams and manage complex engineering activities.

Desirable (not essential): Working knowledge of Japanese and/or French, enabling effective collaboration with our international teams and global stakeholders.

Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth and training opportunities, company pension scheme, supportive and dynamic work environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join our team, working hours are Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm. Due to the location, we recommend applicants have access to their own vehicle. Competitive salary in line with experience and market rates, with full details provided at the point of initial contact. All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application. We can’t wait to hear from you! To move forward with your application, please apply with your CV and cover letter.