Body Exterior Specialist

ALTEN; Gaydon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private MedicalInsurance

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Social atmosphere, team buildings

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking an experienced Exterior Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of innovative vehicle exterior systems, focusing on convertible roof mechanisms and related body systems. The role is based in Gaydon and requires onsite presence.

You will lead design and development activities, manage deliverables through the product lifecycle, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet timing, cost, and quality targets.

Qualifications

• Proven Exterior Design Engineering experience in automotive.
• Knowledge of convertible roof systems and exterior components.
• Experience developing and executing DVPs (Design Verification Plans).
• Strong DFMEA methodologies and risk mitigation.
• Programme management or project coordination experience.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX CAD software.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities within tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of convertible roof systems and related exterior components.
• Manage engineering deliverables across the product development lifecycle.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and drawings using Siemens NX.
• Plan and coordinate DVP activities to ensure design validation.
• Maintain DFMEA documentation and mitigate product risks.
• Support programme timing, milestones, cost, quality, and targets.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, testing, and suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution and engineering changes throughout delivery.

Skills

Exterior Design Engineering

Convertible roof systems

DVPs (Design Verification Plans)

DFMEA

Programme management

Siemens NX

Stakeholder management

Multi-project execution

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

ALTEN is seeking an experienced Exterior Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of innovative vehicle exterior systems, with a particular focus on convertible roof mechanisms and associated body systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to premium automotive programmes, working within a fast-paced engineering environment from concept through to production.

• Location: Gaydon
• On Site: Onsite
• Experience Level: Senior

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of convertible roof systems and related exterior components.
• Manage engineering deliverables throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Create and modify detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using Siemens NX.
• Plan and coordinate Design Verification Plan (DVP) activities to ensure design validation requirements are met.
• Conduct and maintain DFMEA documentation, identifying and mitigating product risks.
• Support programme timing, milestones, cost, quality, and technical targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, quality, testing, and suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution and engineering change activities throughout programme delivery.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in Exterior Design Engineering within the automotive sector.
• Strong knowledge of convertible roof systems, mechanisms, and vehicle exterior components.
• Experience developing and executing DVPs (Design Verification Plans).
• Strong understanding and practical application of DFMEA methodologies.
• Demonstrated programme management or project coordination experience.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX CAD software.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering activities within demanding project timescales.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, orequivalentmilitary experience.
• Experience working on premium or luxury automotive programmes.
• Knowledge of APQP, design release processes, and engineering change management.
• Familiarity with vehicle integration, body systems, or closures engineering.
• Understanding of prototype build and validation activities.

Additional Information

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private MedicalInsurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings &team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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