Chief Engineer - Virtual Engineering

Evera Recruitment Ltd; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive recruitment agency is seeking a Chief Engineer - Virtual Engineering to spearhead simulation and digital validation for innovative vehicle programmes. This role involves leading a high-performing team, defining simulation strategies, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of automotive engineering experience and strong leadership skills. This opportunity allows you to build a department from scratch and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with deep expertise in CAE, CFD, and FEA.
• Proven leadership experience in simulation or virtual engineering teams.
• Hands-on experience with tools for simulation and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Virtual Build Engineering team across CAE, CFD, and FEA disciplines.
• Define and implement simulation strategies aligned with product and business goals.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of simulation engineers and specialists.

Skills

Leadership

Simulation expertise

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Motorsport Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

LS-DYNA

Star-CCM+

HyperWorks

Job description

Overview

Our client, a pioneering automotive brand, is seeking a Chief Engineer - Virtual Engineering to lead simulation and digital validation across exciting new vehicle programmes. This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a department from the ground up, working closely with cross-functional teams and reporting directly to the CTO.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Virtual Build Engineering team across CAE, CFD, and FEA disciplines.
• Define and implement simulation strategies aligned with product and business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate simulation into the full development cycle.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of simulation engineers and specialists.
• Ensure timely delivery of accurate, validated simulation outputs for vehicle programmes.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging digital engineering tools and technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s or Master\'s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Motorsport Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with deep expertise in CAE, CFD, and FEA.
• Proven leadership experience in simulation or virtual engineering teams.
• Hands-on experience with tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, Star-CCM+, HyperWorks.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, structural mechanics, and thermal/fluid systems.
• Experience integrating virtual engineering processes into vehicle development programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

If you\'re a visionary simulation expert ready to drive innovation and make a lasting impact, we\'d love to hear from you.

Apply now using an updated version of your CV and we will be in touch!