At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative vehicle programs in Body, Closures & Chassis from concept to production.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking automotive company focused on cutting-edge engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, comprehensive health benefits, and generous paid time off.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for global travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in automotive engineering with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 170000 £ per year.
As a Senior Staff Engineer for Body, Closures & Chassis, you will serve as the Program Lead for our Body, Closures & Chassis Systems. You will provide the overarching technical direction and leadership required to guide the vehicle program from concept through production across Body, Closures, and Chassis domains. In this position, you will bridge the gap between high-level program milestones and deep technical execution. You are responsible for balancing performance attributes, cost, quality, and manufacturability while coordinating engineering execution across our internal team and external partners.
In this role, you will:
- Serve as the program and technical lead for the vehicle program across Body (BIW, structures), Closures (doors, mechanisms, glazing), and Chassis (suspension, subframes, tires, wheels, by-wire systems), collaborating with internal engineers and external supplier design teams to ensure cohesive engineering execution.
- Oversee BOM integrity, approve critical build processes, and drive quality and cost engineering initiatives throughout the supply chain for your major assemblies.
- Develop program schedules and partner with suppliers, quality, procurement, service, manufacturing, and engineering teams to drive complex open issues to closure and ensure on-time delivery.
- Identify and communicate program progress, engineering challenges, and technical risks while proactively developing and leading strategic mitigation plans across the organization.
- Lead the root-cause analysis and tracking of critical build and design issues impacting vehicle performance, quality, and production readiness to drive long-term engineering solutions.
- Influence system designs to optimize performance, cost, quality, manufacturability, and serviceability by leading top-level design reviews, DFMEAs, validation programs, and manufacturing mock-builds.
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineer, or a related technical discipline.
- 12+ years of deep automotive engineering experience, with focus on Body, Closures or Chassis design and project management.
- Proficiency with advanced automotive engineering tools and methodologies, including CATIA V5/V6, PLM/BOM management, FMEA/FTA, and structured root-cause analysis (8D, Fishbone), and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Polarion, Gantt charts, ERP, PLM, ALM).
- Experience designing for attributes such as crash, NVH, reliability, strength, and corrosion.
- A proven track record of managing complex cross-functional projects and delivering components via external design suppliers and contract manufacturers.
- End-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) experience.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across all levels, from peers and suppliers to manufacturing and executive management.
- Ability to travel globally as required.
Bonus Qualifications
- Familiarity with hardware/firmware product development and vehicle CAN/Firmware.
£140,000 - £170,000 a year Base Salary Range. There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position. Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Senior Staff Engineer - Body, Closures & Chassis in Banbury employer: Zoox
At Zoox, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Staff Engineer in Body, Closures & Chassis, you will not only lead cutting-edge automotive projects but also benefit from a comprehensive compensation package that includes competitive salary, stock options, and extensive health benefits. Our culture encourages professional growth and development, ensuring that you have the resources and support needed to excel in your career while working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Staff Engineer - Body, Closures & Chassis in Banbury
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Zoox, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Staff Engineer - Body, Closures & Chassis in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Zoox specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoox
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zoox, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Zoox value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.