Lead Engineer

At Tata Technologies, we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering, and validating the products of tomorrow for the world’s leading manufacturers. Due to continued growth, we are recruiting for a Lead Engineer – Sealing and Adhesives, based in Gaydon, UK.

THE ROLE

The Lead Engineer is responsible for whole vehicle build assembly process development and validation, which includes:

• Direct engineering experience with sealing and adhesives, ideally within battery frames/enclosures (or if not, a related area e.g. body structures).
• Experience in a launch environment in prototype and production facilities.

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop and validate sealing and adhesive solutions for battery frames, enclosures, and associated components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust sealing performance under thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions.
• Support design reviews and provide technical input on sealing and bonding strategies.
• Conduct material selection, testing, and performance analysis for adhesives and sealants.
• Troubleshoot sealing-related issues during development and production phases.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and internal quality requirements.
• Lead and report on whole vehicle BOM/specification validation using SDV, APT, GSPAS, and GPIRS to align build requirements.
• Attend and contribute to Build Planning Meetings including RIS, IPC, FMS, OTG, startup, washup, 5F, parts, WCPA.
• Collect and provide data for senior reviews including Gating, EPC, and LMM.
• Work with Programme teams to align build timing plans and prototype workload capacity for multiple programmes.
• Lead reviews with Proto MP&L to ensure parts supply meets build requirements.
• Provide data for and attend daily High Hurts reviews.
• Collate and present data for vehicle quality and integrity meeting programme specifications.
• Lead management of critical torque data gathering via control plans and attribute checks.
• Champion component engineers to ensure quality resolutions of all build-related issues.
• Record and present prototype deliverables to senior management.
• Champion Prototype Build Quality Operating System during builds.
• Commissioning and sign-off of prototype vehicles.
• Manage and lead a team to deliver Plant Score Card requirements and targets.
• Ensure consistency and leadership in delivery of attribute targets and milestone reporting.
• Encourage continuous improvement and report performance across all levels of Prototype Build.
• Provide leadership and support for the whole team including engineers to resolve significant technical issues whilst balancing other business factors.
• Liaise with manufacturing facility teams, site services, and external contractors to provide feasibility, design, cost, and purchase of new equipment and facilities for forthcoming builds and prototype build improvements.
• Support and collate information for Process Chain events.
• Support and collate information for Dry Build, ECube, and PCF process/events.
• Raise and maintain relevant build-related AIMS and help drive robust closure actions.
• Support WCPA feedback sessions and liaise with component engineers to drive PCA and ensure containment is in place quickly.
• Support PSW Phase 1 OTG meetings and assist engineers to a robust PSW delivery date.
• Analyse FMS deck and drive robust closure of any emerging fleet issues.

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE

The successful applicant should have the capability to drive and motivate the team to achieve results and continually implement process improvements. They must be self-motivated to achieve deadlines and be proactive in anticipating and preventing any build-stopping issues, whilst ensuring product quality is not compromised.

• Proven experience in sealing and adhesive applications within automotive or related industries.
• Strong understanding of material properties, bonding techniques, and durability requirements.
• Familiarity with battery systems, enclosures, or body structure components is highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and/or manage people.
• Record of proactive delivery and commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work at other sites and locations as requested.
• Flexibility with working arrangements including shifts and overtime where required.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision when required.
• Conversant with GSPAS, APT, AIMS, Digibuck, and GPIRS Bills of Material – Essential.
• Good understanding of PCS – Desirable.
• Understanding of vehicle programme delivery processes and procedures.
• High degree of interpersonal skills.
• Full driving licence.
• Strong data analysis and Microsoft Office skills (PowerPoint and Excel preferred).
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work to tight deadlines.
• Good business acumen.

In return for your expertise, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including:

• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contribution.
• Group income protection.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Group life assurance.
• Health cash plan.

If you are passionate about innovation and want to join a global engineering company, this is the place for you. Tata Technologies: Engineering a better world. We thank all applicants for their interest. Applications will be reviewed against the role criteria. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 10 working days, your application has not been successful; however, your details may be retained for future opportunities.