Senior Design Engineer - Composites (CBW) in Hazel Grove

About the Role

As a Senior Design Engineer in our Chassis, Bodywork & Wings (CBW) team, you’ll run complete engineering projects - from bold conceptual ideas to detailed design - while supporting R&D and production teams throughout build, test, and fault-resolution phases. Your work will directly influence the performance, reliability, and success of cutting-edge automotive systems. You’ll lead fault investigations, support drawing and assembly checks, and mentor student engineers. Alongside your project responsibilities, you’ll also drive continuous improvement, contributing to smarter, more efficient design practices across the team.

About You

Designing large composite structures and components is second nature to you. You are a principles-first engineer with a deep knowledge of composite materials design and manufacture. You combine strong technical ability with a proactive attitude and a solid understanding of engineering design principles, detailed drawings, and modern CAD tools (Siemens NX preferred). You take pride in producing precise, high-quality work, you’re calm under pressure, and confident taking ownership of key projects from concept to completion. Clear communication and balanced judgement come naturally to you, and you work well with colleagues across all disciplines. As a senior, you lead by example and contribute to building a positive, high-performance team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
• Develop lightweight, structurally efficient, cost-effective solutions with a keen eye for mass, stiffness and performance trade-offs.
• Produce supporting structural and functional calculations.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, vehicle science, electronics, chassis, stress, transmission, R&D, production and external suppliers.
• Write clear technical procedures and system specifications.
• Lead fault investigations and implement timely, robust fixes.
• Support drawing and assembly checking, and provide Class 5 sign-off with stress engineering.
• Mentor student placements and help shape the next generation of engineering talent.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working with senior engineers to enhance design efficiency across the team.
• Act as a key point of contact for project allocation, supplier engagement, and user-acceptance activities.

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines exceptional technical skill with leadership potential, creativity, and collaboration. You’ll excel in this role if you have:

• Strong understanding of engineering design for composite components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
• Excellent CAD skills and experience using engineering software for vehicle design (Siemens NX experience is a bonus although training is available).
• Demonstratable project management experience.
• Superb attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• A proactive, self-motivated mindset with the confidence to lead projects independently.
• A positive, open, and team-focused attitude, able to inspire colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent judgement, integrity and communication skills.
• Strong organisational abilities with a clear sense of prioritisation.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine or a closely related engineering discipline. Proven technical expertise in your specialism, with the ability to lead and own significant engineering projects.