Principal Design Engineer - Vehicle and Suspension Engineering

Matchtech Group; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking an experienced Principal Design Engineer for a contract role in the West Midlands. You will lead a global mechanical design team to develop vehicle and suspension engineering solutions from concept to production, ensuring alignment with client requirements.

You will supervise designers, perform 2D detailing and tolerance analysis, interpret FEA/CFD results, and ensure designs meet DFMA and durability targets. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
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Responsibilities

• Lead the concept and definitive 3D mechanical design of vehicle systems and assemblies.
• Lead a team of mechanical designers delivering specific mechanical systems or products.
• Complete detailed mechanical design activities including basic stress calculations, FMEAs, 2D detailing and tolerance stacks.
• Collaborate with FEA and simulation teams to meet validation requirements.
• Ensure DFMA-aligned designs with manufacturing and process engineers.
• Manage Bills of Materials and prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Co-ordinate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to respond to customer requirements.
• Take project leadership, mentor design engineers and lead small to medium teams.

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Windchill PLM

2D Drafting

GD&T

Job description

A Contract Position - Outside IR35

Hybrid working West Midlands

Our client is seeking a Principal Design Engineer for a contract opportunity within the automotive sector. Working as part of a global mechanical design team, you will lead the development of vehicle and suspension engineering solutions from clean-sheet concept through to production, ensuring that designs meet component, system, product and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the concept and definitive 3D mechanical design of vehicle systems, system assemblies and complex components, including subframes, suspension knuckles, control arms, tie rods and pitman arms
• Manage a team of mechanical designers delivering specific mechanical systems or complete products
• Complete detailed mechanical design activities, including basic stress calculations, FMEAs, 2D detailing, 2D layouts and tolerance stacks
• Work closely with FEA and simulation teams to ensure designs meet validation requirements
• Collaborate with manufacturing and process engineers to deliver designs aligned with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles
• Manage Bills of Materials and prepare technical reports and engineering documentation
• Liaise with suppliers and internal engineering departments to coordinate technical information and respond to customer requirements
• Take on project leadership responsibilities, coach and mentor design engineers, and lead small to medium-sized project teams

Technical Requirements:

• Degree-level qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline, or equivalent technical experience
• Substantive experience in mechanical design engineering, particularly within vehicle and chassis engineering
• Specialist knowledge of suspension design, subframe design, suspension components or steering components
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, vehicle dynamics, NVH and durability
• Ability to interpret FEA and CFD results and incorporate findings into mechanical designs
• Sound knowledge of manufacturing processes and their impact on design, including DFMA
• Advanced capability in producing and checking 2D technical drawings, with strong GD&T knowledge
• Experienced user of CATIA V5, with knowledge of PLM systems such as Windchill preferred

Additional Requirements:

• Experience in system engineering management and leading small design teams
• Strong understanding of Bill of Materials management and engineering configuration control
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Confident, proactive and adaptable approach to challenging engineering situations
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and technical report-writing skills in English
• Ability to prioritise and organise multiple project workloads while working to tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary teams
• Willingness to travel overseas to support supplier and customer discussions

If you are an experienced Principal Design Engineer with a background in vehicle and suspension engineering, this contract opportunity offers the chance to lead complex automotive design programmes from concept through to production.