Exterior Resident Engineer

EDAG UK; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services provider in the automotive industry is seeking an Exterior Panels Resident Engineer to manage the integration and production of exterior panel components. This position involves acting as the technical liaison, resolving manufacturing issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet design and quality targets. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in exterior panels engineering and is proficient in relevant CAD and PLM tools.

Benefits

Health cash plan, following successful probation

Pension plans

25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Generous absence cover

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in exterior panels engineering within the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding and assembly processes.
• Understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) & DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary interface between the OEM and the supplier for exterior panel components.
• Support design validation and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Monitor engineering changes ensuring timely implementation.

Skills

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

Collaboration

Technical liaison

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software (CATIA V5, Siemens NX)

PLM tools (Teamcenter, Enovia, Windchill)

Job description

EDAG Engineering UK, part of the global EDAG Group, is a leader in engineering services for the automotive industry. We are experts in vehicle development across the complete spectrum of engineering disciplines. From pre-development, series development, individual components, modules and the development of entire vehicles, we combine expert knowledge with the latest trends in lightweight construction and material technologies.

As an Exterior Panels Resident Engineer, you will act as the on-site technical liaison between the supplier and the OEM to ensure the successful integration and production of bumpers, grilles, and other exterior trim components. You will be responsible for managing engineering changes, resolving manufacturing issues, and ensuring the design, quality, cost, and timing targets are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary interface between the OEM and the supplier for exterior panel components (bumpers, grilles, trims).
• Support design validation, development, and launch activities, ensuring manufacturability and compliance with specifications.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and assembly teams to address issues and implement improvements.
• Monitor and manage engineering change requests (ECRs, ECNs, PCNs), ensuring timely implementation.
• Troubleshoot fit, finish, dimensional, and material-related issues in production and development stages.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation, ensuring component performance meets requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OEM standards, regulatory requirements (FMVSS, ECE, VDA), and durability targets.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling teams to optimize injection molding, painting, and assembly processes.
• Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, and root cause analysis for problem resolution.
• Provide regular reports on project status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in exterior panels engineering (bumpers, grilles, trims) within the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding, painting, and assembly processes.
• Experience working at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier in a resident engineering role.
• Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA V5, Siemens NX) and PLM tools (Teamcenter, Enovia, Windchill).
• Understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) & DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• Ability to troubleshoot fit, finish, and dimensional issues in production.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional team interaction.
• Willingness to travel and work on-site at the OEM/supplier location.
• Experience with advanced materials (composites, lightweight plastics) for exterior panels desired.
• Knowledge of automotive lighting integration (e.g., illuminated grilles, DRLs in bumpers) desired.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and automotive quality processes desired.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification desired.

• Health cash plan, following successful probation

• Pension plans
• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Generous absence cover