At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vehicle programmes and ensure integration of key systems for performance and safety.
- Company: Join Ricardo, a world leader in propulsion engineering with over 110 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive workplace, diverse culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of vehicle engineering and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering and experience in vehicle engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.
The Vehicle Chief Engineer will lead the end-to-end technical delivery of vehicle programmes, with responsibility for the integration and performance of key vehicle systems including chassis, suspension, steering, braking, and vehicle dynamics. This role serves as the technical authority for the complete vehicle, ensuring all systems are integrated to deliver performance, safety, durability, and regulatory compliance in line with UK and global automotive standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the Vehicle Technical Authority for assigned programmes.
- Own vehicle-level integration across all systems.
- Project Execution.
- Innovation & Problem Solving.
- Mentorship & Team Development.
- Quality & Compliance.
- Customer Focus.
Key Competencies and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Systems Engineering (Master’s preferred).
- Demonstrable experience in vehicle engineering, including chassis systems (suspension, steering, brakes) and vehicle integration.
- Proven experience in full vehicle programme delivery.
- Demonstrated leadership in design and validation, vehicle testing (track and road), and production readiness.
- Strong track record in problem solving using structured methods (8D, DOE, RCA).
- Extensive experience in vehicle-level engineering and system integration.
- Deep expertise in chassis systems, including suspension design and tuning, steering systems, and brake systems.
- Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and attribute development.
- Solid grounding in CAD (e.g., CATIA, NX), GD&T, FMEA, and engineering documentation.
Project & Technical Leadership:
- Proven ability to lead complex vehicle programmes in a cross-functional environment.
- Experience with technical governance, design reviews, and sign-off processes.
- Strong supplier management experience, particularly for chassis and braking systems.
- Good understanding of cost, timing, and programme delivery constraints.
- Effective risk management and decision-making capability.
- Excellent communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong leadership presence with ability to influence stakeholders.
- Experience leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams.
- Customer-focused mindset with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable:
- Industry Knowledge: Experience in UK or European automotive OEM or Tier 1 environments.
- Familiarity with UNECE regulations and UK type approval processes.
- Experience with electrified vehicles (BEV/HEV), especially integration of braking and steering systems.
- Experience with passenger cars, commercial vehicles, or specialist vehicles.
- Advanced Engineering Methods: Experience with vehicle dynamics simulation tools and systems engineering approaches.
- Knowledge of DOE, robustness engineering, and advanced validation techniques.
- Exposure to agile or hybrid development methodologies.
You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place and encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment.
Next steps: Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role.
Vehicle Chief Engineer employer: Ricardo
At Ricardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration at our Shoreham Technical Centre and Leamington Spa locations. We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in delivering innovative solutions for a safer and sustainable world, while being part of a diverse team that values every voice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Chief Engineer
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Ricardo love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ricardo 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 Vehicle Chief Engineer
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 Ricardo and the Vehicle Chief Engineer 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 Ricardo
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo.
✨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 Ricardo, making you a more appealing candidate.
