At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in automotive safety testing and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Company: Globally renowned automotive testing organisation with a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Up to £70,000 salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in passive safety testing and influence future capabilities.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and 5+ years in passive safety testing with team management experience.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation recognition.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
A globally renowned and recognised automotive testing and engineering organisation is searching for a Principal Engineer to lead operations within their specialist Passive Safety division. Based at their expansive proving ground in Bedfordshire, you will manage the performance and growth of a highly advanced servo‑sled facility used by major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategy, lead a skilled team, and play a key role in future capability development. You will be joining a business with a strong reputation for employee wellbeing, offering generous holiday entitlements, healthcare cashback plans, contributory pension schemes, life cover, enhanced family‑friendly policies, access to a wide range of discounts via their employee rewards platform, and regular recognition for innovation, integrity and expertise!
Your Day-To-Day:
- Ensure full Health & Safety compliance, including risk assessments and safety observation tours
- Manage and develop a small team of engineers and technicians
- Oversee work scheduling, operational planning, and resource allocation
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using established tools and processes
- Manage financial processes: invoicing, PO approvals, and forecasting
- Support maintenance of ISO17025, ISO9001 and other relevant accreditations
- Create and manage training and development plans for team members
- Oversee sled equipment utilisation, troubleshooting, and performance analysis
- Maintain and enhance sled testing procedures and documentation
What You Will Need:
- Engineering degree (automotive preferred)
- 5+ years’ passive safety testing to global standards
- Proven experience managing a small engineering team
- Hands‑on sled testing expertise and exposure to Systems/Static Rig testing
- Experience with CMM tools (e.g., FARO Arm)
- High‑speed / GoPro / DSLR camera setup experience
- Strong data acquisition, processing and analysis capability
- Solid understanding of global passive safety regulations, injury criteria and ATD instrumentation
To apply, please submit a copy of your up-to-date CV indicating your relevant experience. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK, and evidence of eligibility will be required. Suitable candidates will be contacted immediately.
Principal Engineer - Testing in London employer: Seismic Limited
Contact Detail:
Seismic Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Testing in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the automotive testing field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on sled testing expertise and any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its culture before the interview. We recommend thinking about how your experience aligns with their values, especially around innovation and safety compliance. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Engineer role! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application shine, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Testing in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience in passive safety testing and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led teams or improved processes. This helps us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can make your application stand out. We’re looking for someone who fits our culture as much as their skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seismic Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of passive safety testing and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with ISO17025 and ISO9001 standards, as well as the latest trends in automotive safety. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team through challenges or implemented improvements. Highlight how you can foster a positive work environment and support your team's development.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to sled testing and data analysis. Brush up on your hands-on experience with CMM tools and camera setups. Be ready to explain your approach to troubleshooting and performance analysis, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company’s future projects in passive safety or how they measure success in the team. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.