Principal Engineer – Interior Systems

DRVN Automotive Group; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DRVN Automotive Group in the United Kingdom seeks a Principal Engineer – Interior Systems to own the end-to-end development of cockpit, cabin trim, seating, and restraints from concept to production.

Lead system architecture, interface with design, safety, manufacturing, and suppliers, ensuring compliance with global standards while delivering cost and weight targets in luxury, low-volume vehicle programmes.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering interior systems into production.
• Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and global homologation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end interior systems development from concept to production.
• Lead system architecture, packaging, and integration for panels, trims, headliners, seating, and restraints.
• Define and manage system requirements, DFMEAs, DVPs, and validation plans.
• Collaborate with design, vehicle architecture, safety, and manufacturing teams.
• Interface with suppliers to guide development and manage timing.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with FMVSS, ECE, and other global homologation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Low-volume projects

Luxury interiors

Exterior/Interior integration

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA

NX

PLM systems

Job description

The DRVN Automotive Group are seeking a Principal Engineer – Interior Systems to join our team in a low-volume vehicle environment where innovation, craftsmanship, and rapid iteration are at the core of everything we do. In this role, you will take ownership of ensuring that each vehicle and its systems meet engineering, safety, performance, and legal requirements.

As the Principal Engineer – Interior Systems, you 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

•Principal Engineer – Interior Systems

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

• 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.
• Mentor engineers and support cross-functional technical reviews.
• Lead team members to deliver business objectives
• 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.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• 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.

Right to Work

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Right-to-work checks will be carried out in accordance with Home Office requirements.

Equality & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you