Vehicle Damage & Safety Inspector (Hybrid/Travel) in Thatcham

Are you passionate about automotive engineering and ready to make a real impact on vehicle safety and repairability? Join Thatcham Research – the UK’s leading automotive risk intelligence company – and help shape the future of vehicle safety and repair standards.

As a Vehicle Inspection Technician, you’ll be at the heart of our Vehicle Risk Assessment Team, conducting Damage & Repairability (D&R) inspections on post-impact vehicles. Your insights will directly influence vehicle safety ratings, support consultations with global manufacturers, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge repair procedures.

Whether you’re an experienced technician or early in your career, if you’re passionate about vehicles and eager to grow your skills in a fast-moving, high-impact field - we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing:

• Conducting D&R inspections and audits on vehicles post-RCAR impact.
• Collaborating with global vehicle manufacturers to share insights and support consultations.
• Providing accurate data to the Vehicle Data Management team for risk rating assessments.
• Supporting commercial projects and helping shape new product offerings.
• Domestic and national travel to present findings and support inspections. (A valid passport and ability to travel within Europe is required)

Who you’ll work with:

• Internal teams across Engineering, Research, Marketing, and Operations.
• External stakeholders including multinational vehicle manufacturers and product developers.
• A dynamic team of engineers, technicians, and specialists passionate about vehicle safety.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success:

• Practical experience in vehicle damage assessment (VDA) or automotive engineering.
• Strong communication skills and confidence presenting to multicultural audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and technical interpretation skills.
• You understand the importance of confidentiality and can handle sensitive information under NDAs.
• Flexibility for travel and a proactive, self-managed work style.

Why join Thatcham Research?

• Be part of a respected organisation influencing global vehicle safety standards.
• Work on exciting projects with leading automotive brands.
• Enjoy a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development.

Salary - £36,200 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Free on-site parking

When we work:

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work:

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week. Travel required within Europe (up to 10%) to support on-site customer activity.

What we do:

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual’s authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process:

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.