Chief Engineer - Vehicle Dynamics

Changan UK R&D Centre Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Changan UK R&D Centre Limited seeks a Chief Engineer in Vehicle Dynamics to lead ride and handling development for Changan brands in Europe. You will steer targets for UK and EU markets and coordinate with the China team on best practices and knowledge transfer.

The role requires deep expertise in suspension, steering and braking systems, plus strong leadership and communication skills to drive region-specific calibrations and testing across UK and Europe.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive or equivalent accredited program.
• 10+ years of chassis/vehicle dynamics experience with recent leadership experience.
• Expert knowledge of suspension, steering and braking systems—passive and adaptive.
• In-depth knowledge of kinematics, compliance, calibration and tuning of suspension, steering and braking systems.
• Able to generate and cascade targets and best practice processes.
• Strong skills in test and simulation techniques for vehicle performance and ride/handling.
• Ability to analyse simulation and test data (K&C reports) and recommend improvements.
• Ability to interact with cross functional units to set hardpoints for suspension components.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Active suspension development experience is a plus.
• Ability to benchmark vehicles with respect to Vehicle Dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Define ride and handling attribute targets for UK/EU.
• Support vehicle dynamics development in UK and abroad.
• Collaborate with Changan China Vehicle Dynamics Team for reviews and knowledge transfer.
• Tune and calibrate region-specific vehicles against Vehicle Dynamic targets.
• Analyze K&C reports to direct component and system changes.
• Produce detailed reports for senior levels.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Leadership

Test & simulation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Job description

With the growing market for new Changan vehicles we are looking for a Chief Engineer in Vehicle Dynamics, to provide expert direction and support to achieve the driving experience expected by UK and European customers. The successful candidate will have a leading role in defining and delivering all ride and handling attributes for Changan’s brands in Europe.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive or equivalent accredited program
• 10+ years of chassis / vehicle dynamics experience with recent experience in a leadership position
• Expert knowledge of suspension, steering and braking systems – both passive and adaptive
• In-depth knowledge of kinematics and compliance, calibration and tuning of suspension, steering, and braking systems – both passive and adaptive
• Able to generate and cascade targets and best practice processes
• Good knowledge of test and simulation techniques associated with vehicle performance as well as full vehicle ride and handling
• Ability to analyse simulation and test data (K&C reports) highlighting target achievement and making recommendations for areas of non-compliance
• Able to Interact with relevant cross functional business units to establish hardpoints for suspension components required to support the system requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Active suspension development experience would be a distinct advantage
• Able to understand and direct benchmarking vehicles with respect to Vehicle Dynamics
• Willing to travel abroad (China and Europe) in support of system testing and development

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for ride and handling attribute targets (UK/EU)
• Support vehicle dynamics development both in UK and abroad
• Support Changan China Vehicle Dynamics Team – provide target reviews, best practice techniques, training and knowledge transfer to support product and process improvements
• Tuning and calibration of region-specific vehicles with respect to Vehicle Dynamic targets
• Detailed analysis of K&C reports providing clear direction for component and system changes
• Provide detailed reports at senior levels