Vehicle Technician

Vehicle Technician

Thatcham Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Thatcham Research

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct inspections on vehicles and collaborate with manufacturers to enhance safety standards.
  • Company: Join Thatcham Research, the UK's top automotive risk intelligence company shaping vehicle safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, 29 days holiday, and health perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on vehicle safety while working with leading automotive brands in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Practical experience in vehicle damage assessment and relevant qualifications are preferred.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion make this a great workplace.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

Vehicle Inspection Technician | ÂŁ36,200 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid / Travel

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.

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don\’t apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn\’t exist! If you think you have what it takes but don\’t tick every box, we\’d still encourage you to apply – it could be a perfect fit!

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 Ă— 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 đź•’

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 đź«¶

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 đź’»

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.

If you\’re experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Vehicle Technician employer: Thatcham Research

Thatcham Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly influence global vehicle safety standards. With a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and professional development, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including a non-contributory pension and generous holiday allowance, you'll find meaningful and rewarding opportunities here. Located in Thatcham, you will enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging with leading automotive brands on exciting projects.
Thatcham Research

Contact Detail:

Thatcham Research Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vehicle safety and repair standards. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the automotive field, especially those who work in vehicle inspection or damage assessment. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your practical experience in vehicle damage assessment during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of your work and how it relates to the role of a Vehicle Inspection Technician.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills by practicing how to present technical information clearly and confidently. This is crucial as you'll be collaborating with global manufacturers and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician

Practical experience in vehicle damage assessment (VDA)
Automotive engineering knowledge
Relevant qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, Apprenticeship)
Strong communication skills
Confidence presenting to multicultural audiences
Excellent problem-solving skills
Decision-making abilities
Technical interpretation skills
Understanding of confidentiality and handling sensitive information
Flexibility for travel
Proactive work style
Collaboration skills
Attention to detail
Data analysis skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vehicle damage assessment or automotive engineering. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements for the Vehicle Technician role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for automotive safety and your understanding of the role. Mention any relevant qualifications and experiences, and explain how they align with the company's mission and values.

Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or presented findings to diverse audiences.

Show Enthusiasm for Continuous Learning: Express your eagerness to grow within the role and the industry. Mention any ongoing training or professional development you are pursuing, as this aligns with the company's commitment to employee growth.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thatcham Research

✨Show Your Passion for Automotive Engineering

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for vehicles and automotive engineering during the interview. Share specific experiences or projects that highlight your passion and how it aligns with the company's mission of improving vehicle safety.

✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your practical experience in vehicle damage assessment or automotive engineering. Bring examples of past work or challenges you've faced, and explain how you approached them, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Since the role involves presenting findings to multicultural audiences, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use simple language to explain complex concepts, and be ready to answer questions confidently to demonstrate your communication skills.

✨Understand the Company Values

Familiarise yourself with Thatcham Research's values: Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive, and Trusted. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they resonate with your personal approach to teamwork and problem-solving.

Vehicle Technician
Thatcham Research
Location: Thatcham

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>