At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and release of innovative Body in White components for electric vehicles.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering team in the automotive industry.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid work, and exposure to global projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of electric vehicles while collaborating with diverse teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in automotive BIW engineering and strong design release knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 35 - 35 £ per hour.
Location: Hybrid (Witney, Oxfordshire / Remote with travel to customer sites as required)
Rate: Up to £35/hour (Umbrella)
Contract Term: Contract / Temporary
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Body in White to join our fast-paced Engineering Europe division. In this role, you will own the engineering definition, CAD release, change management, and delivery of BIW components and assemblies across our global electric vehicle platforms. Spanning the entire lifecycle from early concept to volume production, you will collaborate closely with CAE, Manufacturing, Quality, and external suppliers. This is a brilliant opportunity to interface with cross-functional teams across the UK, Europe, and China, contributing directly to the delivery of world-class vehicle structures.
Key Responsibilities
- Data & Release Management: Drive the engineering definition and timely release of BIW assemblies and parts throughout the vehicle development cycle.
- CAD Quality & BOM Control: Own CAD data quality, modeling maturity, 2D/3D creation, and drawing releases within the PLM system, ensuring strict adherence to GD&T and BOM structures.
- Configuration & Change Control: Direct part numbering, manage release statuses, and coordinate Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Notices (ECN).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with CAE teams to align designs with crash, durability, stiffness, and NVH requirements.
- Supplier & Manufacturing Alignment: Lead technical reviews with suppliers, support packaging/tolerance studies, and assist with prototype builds, issue resolution, and final production launch activities.
- Optimization & Standards: Push for weight, cost, and quality optimization while maintaining detailed DFMEA inputs and design documentation.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Automotive Experience: 3 to 5+ years of dedicated experience in automotive Body in White (BIW) engineering.
- Design Release Expertise: Robust understanding of design release processes, quality protocols, and automotive product development cycles.
- Stakeholder Management: Experience working with global OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, backed by top-tier communication and problem-solving skills.
- Global Mindset: Self-motivated, comfortable working independently, and highly collaborative within multicultural teams (with a willingness to travel if required). Familiarity working alongside Chinese automotive OEMs.
- Hands-on knowledge of steel and aluminium BIW structures, as well as joining technologies (spot/laser welding, riveting, structural adhesives).
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, and DFMEA processes.
- Software proficiency with CAD systems (such as CATIA V6) and PLM environments (such as 3DX / Enovia).
Personal Profile
- Adaptable, enthusiastic, and highly organized with a keen eye for detail.
- Commercially driven with a strong customer-first perspective.
- Natural relationship-builder who thrives in diverse, international environments.
What We Offer
- The chance to shape cutting-edge, next-generation global EV programs.
- Flexible, hybrid working models designed for modern work-life balance.
- Direct exposure to pioneering, high-profile international automotive projects.
- A supportive, forward-thinking, and collaborative global engineering culture.
Design Release Engineer –(BIW) in Oxford employer: Randstad
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. As an IMS Systems Auditor, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on our Integrated Management System. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a dynamic workplace where your contributions are valued and recognised.
