Principal Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Basildon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive group seeks a Principal Engineer for Interior Systems. The role entails leading the design and integration of interior features for various vehicle programs, ensuring alignment with safety, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements while mentoring junior engineers in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

33 Days Holidays

Pension

Life Insurance

Employee Referral Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering interior systems into production.
• Experience with CAD tools and PLM systems.
• Understanding of engineering change requests and claim management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of interior systems.
• Collaborate with safety, design, and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure compliance with global safety and homologation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA

NX

Job description

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The DRVN Automotive Group are recruiting for a Principal Engineer – Interior Systems. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and integration of all interior systems across our vehicle programmes. This includes cockpit architecture, cabin trim, seating systems, and occupant restraints.

You will be responsible for ensuring that interior systems meet functional, aesthetic, safety, and regulatory requirements while aligning with the brand’s design vision and manufacturing capabilities.

Overview of the Role

• Holidays: 33 Days Holidays
• Pension
• Life Insurance
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Location: Coventry

Company Overview

The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.

Our recent launch of Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons – including the RS200 and MK1 Escort places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen.

Key Responsibilities

• Company Policies: Manage and follow the quality, health, safety, and welfare policies of the company
• Own the end-to-end development of interior systems from concept through to production.
• Lead system architecture, packaging, and integration of:
• Instrument panels and consoles
• Door and side trims
• Headliners and pillars
• Seating structures, comfort, and mechanisms
• Seatbelts and airbag restraint systems
• Collaborate closely with design, vehicle architecture, safety, and manufacturing teams.
• Define and manage system-level requirements, DFMEAs, DVPs, and validation plans.
• Interface with suppliers to guide development, ensure quality, and manage timing.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with global safety and homologation standards (e.g., FMVSS, ECE).
• Contribute to cost, weight, and sustainability targets.
• Support the Chief Engineers to lead teams. Have pastoral/employee responsibilities
• Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional technical reviews.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
• Proven track record of delivering interior systems into production
• Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX) and PLM systems
• Understanding importance of managing engineering change requests and claim management
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent IT skills; including but not exhaustive to PP/Outlook/Excel/Word
• Must have IDLR/Full Rights to Work in UK - Sponsorship or Work Permits will not be accepted/ provided
• Experience in low-volume or niche vehicle programmes.
• Familiarity with luxury or performance vehicle interiors.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to work across disciplines in a small team environment.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and global homologation requirements.

Please note we do not provide sponsorships to those who require it and will only accept applications from those who have full rights to work in the UK with no restrictions and IDLR/Full Settlement status. Please provide status on applications.

Our inclusive workplace welcomes and values all candidates from all backgrounds; we believe that diversity enhances our ability to innovate and serve our customers effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.