Chief Engineer - Vehicle Dynamics

Changan UK R&D Centre Ltd.; Coleshill Heath; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Changan UK R&D Centre Ltd. seeks a Chief Engineer in Vehicle Dynamics to lead ride and handling development for UK and European markets. You will define targets and guide calibration across regions, coordinating with the China team to ensure product and process improvements.

The role requires 10+ years in chassis/vehicle dynamics, strong leadership, and extensive knowledge of suspension, steering and braking systems, including adaptive variants. Travel to China and Europe is expected.

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.
• Deep knowledge of kinematics and compliance, calibration and tuning of suspension, steering, and braking systems – passive and adaptive.
• Ability to generate and cascade targets and best practice processes.
• Good knowledge of test and simulation techniques for vehicle performance and ride/handling.
• Ability to analyse simulation and test data (K&C reports) and recommend improvements.
• Interact with cross-functional units to establish hardpoints for suspension components.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for ride and handling attribute targets (UK/EU).
• Support vehicle dynamics development in UK and abroad.
• Support Changan China Vehicle Dynamics Team with targets, best practices and knowledge transfer.
• Tuning and calibration of region-specific vehicles to meet Vehicle Dynamic targets.
• Detailed analysis of K&C reports providing clear direction for component changes.
• Provide detailed reports at senior levels.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Vehicle dynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Job description

Competitive, rewarding compensation package, based on your qualifications and experience.

Permanent

Birmingham B37 7YG, UK

About the Role

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

Duties & 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