Senior Vehicle Security Engineer in Thatcham

At Thatcham Research, we help shape the future of vehicle security through independent, evidence‑based insight. As vehicles become increasingly connected, software enabled and technologically complex, protecting them against theft and security threats has never been more important. We’re looking for a Senior Vehicle Security Engineer to play a leading role in advancing our vehicle security research and assessment capability. This is a senior technical position where you’ll combine deep engineering expertise with forward‑thinking research to influence insurers, manufacturers and wider industry stakeholders, helping improve real‑world vehicle security and insurance outcomes. You’ll be working alongside our Vehicle Security and Technology experts with lots of opportunities to learn and develop.

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 sector
• Strong automotive engineering knowledge, with practical experience of vehicle security systems, such as electronic architectures, connected vehicle technologies, software‑driven functions, or communication networks.
• Understanding of current and emerging vehicle technologies, such as in‑vehicle and off‑board communications, software‑defined systems or electrical architectures
• 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):

• A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
• 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

Salary - Circa £62,100 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)

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)

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.

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 Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

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.

We’re committed to removing 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 experience any technical issues when completing your application, please get in touch at people.team@thatcham.org and we’ll be happy to help. To ensure fairness and protect your data, we’re unable to accept applications or CVs via email. The best way to apply and to stay updated on your progress, is through our online application form.