At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative zero-emission powertrain systems for cutting-edge vehicles.
- Company: Wrightbus, a leader in sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Discretionary bonus, life insurance, discounts, career progression, and flexitime.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of eco-friendly transportation.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with 5+ years in powertrain design and development.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Job type: Permanent
Location: Wrightbus
Closing date: Tuesday 08 Sep
All applicants must hold valid right to work in the UK. Please be aware that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.
The Job Summary: Wrightbus is seeking a New Product Development Engineering Manager (Powertrain). This role leads the design and development of new battery-electric drive systems, hydrogen fuel cell systems and associated transmissions for Wrightbus's new vehicle and derivative programmes, from concept through prototype build and on to engineering release. The post holder manages a small team of powertrain design and development engineers, ensuring new zero-emission drive systems deliver the required performance, range and thermal management targets safely and reliably.
The Role:
- Lead the design and development of new battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain systems, including associated driveline components, for new vehicle programmes.
- Manage design verification, validation and testing activities, ensuring performance, durability and integration requirements are met.
- Oversee prototype builds, vehicle testing and issue resolution to support successful programme delivery.
- Own programme milestones, gateway deliverables, costs and timing for the powertrain workstream.
- Liaise with suppliers and cross-functional teams to support component development, integration, manufacturing and serviceability.
- Approve engineering releases and ensure all drawings, specifications and BOMs are production-ready.
- Support homologation, type approval and regulatory compliance for powertrain safety, energy efficiency and emissions requirements.
- Recruit, lead and develop a team of powertrain engineers, driving technical excellence and performance.
- Work with product planning to define energy management and control strategies for new zero-emission vehicles.
- Collaborate with quality and reliability teams to resolve issues identified during testing and early production.
- Report programme progress, technical risks and key issues to the Line Manager.
The Requirements:
- Degree in Mechanical, Automotive or Electrical Engineering with a powertrain focus.
- Evidence of continued professional development in electric or hydrogen powertrain technology.
- 5+ years' experience in powertrain design and development for new vehicle programmes in automotive, commercial vehicle or heavy vehicle sectors.
- Proven experience leading integration of battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell systems from concept to production release.
- Practical use of CAD and powertrain simulation tools (e.g. GT-Suite, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Experience managing or supervising design and development engineers.
- Experience developing DVP&R plans for powertrain performance and durability testing.
- Proficient in battery, fuel cell or electric drive system design and integration.
- Working knowledge of emissions and energy efficiency regulations relevant to zero-emission commercial vehicles.
- Skilled in developing DVP&R plans for powertrain performance, thermal and durability testing.
- Strong understanding of thermal management and energy management/control strategy development.
- Good command of powertrain simulation and modelling tools.
The Benefits:
- Discretionary bonus
- Life Insurance
- Medicash scheme
- Discount with local businesses e.g. Galgorm Spa Resort and McAtamney's.
- Free car parking
- Canteen
- Career progression
- Professional development
- Flexitime
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
New Product Engineering Manager (Powertrain) in London employer: Wrightbus
Wrightbus is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With a four-day work week, competitive benefits including life insurance and discounts with local businesses, and ample opportunities for professional growth, Wrightbus fosters a dynamic environment where Coachbuilders can thrive and contribute to innovative manufacturing processes in the heart of Wrightbus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Engineering Manager (Powertrain) in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Wrightbus.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Wrightbus love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Wrightbus and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Engineering Manager (Powertrain) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Wrightbus and the New Product Engineering Manager (Powertrain) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wrightbus
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Wrightbus.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Wrightbus.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Wrightbus, making you a more appealing candidate.