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- 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 £60,000 salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automotive safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and 5+ years in passive safety testing required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a state-of-the-art facility with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 in Bedford employer: Seismic Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Seismic Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry, especially those who work in testing or engineering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Knowing their latest innovations in passive safety will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with sled testing and CMM tools. Being able to demonstrate your expertise will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Bedford
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 can bring to our team.
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 well with our culture!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seismic Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of passive safety testing and the relevant global standards. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and methodologies in sled testing, as well as the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like CMM tools and data acquisition systems.
✨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 continuous improvement initiatives. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also a great leader.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-world situations, such as managing operational planning or ensuring health and safety compliance. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's future capabilities or their approach to employee development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
