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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 passive safety testing and influence future capabilities.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and 5+ years in passive safety testing with team management experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with strong career growth and recognition for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 £ 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.
Principle Engineer - Testing employer: Seismic Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Seismic Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Engineer - Testing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive testing field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with sled testing and data analysis. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in your previous roles.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Engineer - Testing
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.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured information that’s easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with sled testing and how it relates to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and past experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented continuous improvement initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to influence strategy and develop your team.
✨Safety First
Health and safety compliance is crucial in this role. Familiarise yourself with ISO17025 and ISO9001 standards, and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. Highlight any risk assessments or safety observation tours you've conducted to showcase your commitment to safety.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to innovation and employee wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
