Senior Vehicle Security Engineer

At Thatcham Research, we help shape the future of vehicle safety and security through independent, evidence‑based insight. As vehicles become increasingly connected and technologically complex, protecting them against theft and security threats has never been more important.

As the Senior Vehicle Security Engineer, you’ll:

• Lead and deliver technical research that advances vehicle security and theft prevention insight
• Identify and analyse emerging vehicle theft trends using data‑driven and investigative methods
• Research new vehicle technologies, security systems, vulnerabilities and attack vectors, translating findings into clear, usable risk attributes
• Develop, enhance and govern vehicle security assessment and testing protocols, ensuring they remain robust, relevant and commercially valuable
• Work closely with colleagues across insurability, research, operations, product, data and communications teams to ensure a consistent and joined‑up approach to Automotive Risk Intelligence
• Collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, insurers and industry bodies to share insight, guide best practice and influence future security standards
• Support and maintain strong relationships with external authorities and organisations involved in theft prevention and vehicle security
• Lead and contribute to research projects, including planning, coordination, stakeholder updates and delivery against agreed objectives
• Present technical findings to members, customers and industry audiences
• Author and contribute to technical reports and publications for external use

Skills & Experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Significant experience within the automotive and/or insurance sectors
• Strong automotive engineering knowledge, with practical experience of vehicle security systems including electronic, electromechanical and mechanical components
• A solid understanding of current and emerging vehicle technologies, such as connectivity, software‑defined systems and electrical architectures
• Proven ability to lead or deliver complex engineering or research projects, applying appropriate technologies and methodologies
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical information and identify meaningful risk insights
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting technical content to a range of audiences
• High levels of interpersonal and influencing skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and organisations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Teams)

Desirable (but not essential):

• Knowledge of UK and EU vehicle regulations and their security or safety implications
• Experience working with insurers or an understanding of insurance processes and vehicle theft risk
• Familiarity with vehicle development processes, CAD imagery, wiring diagrams or technical drawings
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects or contributing to the development of others
• A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience) will be beneficial

Benefits:

• Salary - Circa £61,200 dependent on skills & experience
• 10% non‑contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 × basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on‑site restaurant
• Free on‑site parking

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.