At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct vehicle inspections and collaborate with global manufacturers to enhance safety standards.
- Company: Join Thatcham Research, the UK's leader in automotive risk intelligence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and excellent health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vehicle safety while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Practical experience in vehicle damage assessment or automotive engineering is preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a hybrid model for work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36200 - 36200 ÂŁ per year.
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 in this role:
- Practical experience in vehicle damage assessment (VDA) or automotive engineering.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, Apprenticeship).
- 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.
Perks & Benefits:
- Salary - ÂŁ36,200 dependent on skills & experience.
- 10% non‑contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x 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
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 Values:
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.
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.
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.
Vehicle Technician employer: Thatcham Research
Contact Detail:
Thatcham Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Vehicle Technician role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and communication skills. Practice explaining complex vehicle issues in simple terms, as you'll need to present findings clearly to diverse audiences. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for vehicles! During interviews, share personal stories about your experiences with automotive engineering or any projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out and show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
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 connect directly with us. So, don’t hesitate – hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for automotive engineering shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about vehicle safety and repairability, so don’t hold back on sharing your passion.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vehicle Technician role. Highlight relevant experience, qualifications, and skills that match what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Thatcham Research!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thatcham Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your vehicle damage assessment knowledge and automotive engineering principles. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vehicle safety and repair standards, as this will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member. Focus on articulating your experience clearly, especially around D&R inspections and how you've collaborated with others in the past. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your skills during the actual interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be presenting findings to multicultural audiences, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully communicated with diverse teams or stakeholders.
✨Be Ready to Travel
As travel is part of the job, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel within Europe. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and proactive approach to work, which will resonate well with the interviewers.