At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and project management for exterior systems on next-gen smart electric vehicles.
- Company: Join a premium automotive company at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Dynamic role with global travel and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of automotive design and technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in automotive engineering with expertise in exterior systems and CAD tools.
As the Exterior Project Lead, you will drive the engineering development and project management for exterior systems on next-generation smart electric vehicles. This role requires a powerful blend of technical design authority and robust project leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery: Lead the engineering delivery for exterior systems (bumpers, lighting, trim, glass, and active aerodynamics) from initial styling release through to gateway approvals.
- Timeline & Tooling: Manage the master engineering schedule, tracking deliverables, styling freezes, injection-mold tooling timelines, and maturity targets.
- Manufacturing & Attributes: Drive DFM/DFA with suppliers while balancing premium aesthetics with core technical attributes (drag coefficient, wind noise/NVH, and pedestrian safety).
- EV Tech Integration: Integrate cutting-edge technologies into the exterior skin, including premium LED/laser lighting, hidden autonomous sensors (LiDAR/cameras), and active aerodynamic systems.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate seamlessly with Studio Design, Aerodynamics, Tooling, and Global Engineering teams to resolve packaging and manufacturing conflicts.
Qualifications & Experience Required
- Education: B.Eng or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design, or equivalent.
- Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience, ideally within premium OEMs, EV start-ups, or advanced vehicle concept environments.
- Technical Depth: Proven track record in automotive exterior systems. Deep knowledge of injection molding, paint finishes, chrome/gloss trims, glass integration, and sheet metal stamping limitations.
- CAD & Tools: Proficient with CAD platforms (Catia V5/V6 preferred) for concept creation and layout reviews, alongside Jira and Confluence.
- Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel globally to support development programs.
Project Lead - Exterior Systems in Oxford employer: Randstad Technologies Recruitment
At Randstad Technologies, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of Exterior Project Lead in the dynamic field of premium automotive systems. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector. Located at the forefront of automotive technology, we offer a unique environment where cutting-edge projects meet a commitment to excellence, ensuring that our team members are not only valued but also empowered to make a significant impact in their careers.
Contact Details:
Randstad Technologies Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Lead - Exterior Systems in Oxford
✨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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment.
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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
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Randstad Technologies Recruitment 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 Project Lead - Exterior Systems in Oxford
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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment and the Project Lead - Exterior Systems 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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment
✨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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment.
✨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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment.
✨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 Randstad Technologies Recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
