Project Engineer – New Product Introduction (NPI)

DRVN Automotive Group; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

DRVN Automotive Group in Coventry seeks a Project Engineer – New Product Introduction to drive concepts to production readiness for specialist vehicle programmes. You will lead engineering and industrialisation activities, coordinating between design, manufacturing, suppliers and programme management to ensure on-time, on-cost and high-quality delivery.

Ideal candidates will have NPI experience in automotive or low-volume manufacturing, with strong APQP/PFMEA knowledge and excellent

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering and industrialisation for new vehicle programmes.
• Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and maintain schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate engineering activities to support new vehicle programme delivery.
• Own and track engineering deliverables aligned to programme timing, cost, and quality targets.
• Support cross-functional programme reviews and report on project status, risks, and issues.
• Identify and manage programme risks, implementing mitigation plans where required.

Skills

NPI engineering

Project management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Engineer – New Product Introduction (NPI) to support the delivery of specialist vehicle programmes from concept through to production readiness within a niche automotive manufacturing environment.

This role is focused on leading and coordinating engineering and industrialisation activities, ensuring that new vehicle programmes are delivered on time, to cost, and to quality standards. The Project Engineer will act as a key interface between engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and programme management teams to ensure successful product introduction into production.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing engineering deliverables within automotive, motorsport, aerospace, or low-volume manufacturing environments, with strong knowledge of product development, manufacturing processes, and programme execution.

Overview of the Role:

• Salary £ 50 ,000
• Holidays: 33 Days Holidays
• 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 innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, we are committed to delivering world-class products and customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Programme Engineering

• Lead and coordinate engineering activities to support new vehicle programme delivery .
• Own and track engineering deliverables aligned to programme timing, cost, and quality targets.
• Support cross-functional programme reviews and report on project status, risks, and issues.
• Identify and manage programme risks, implementing mitigation plans where required.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support the introduction of new vehicle programmes from concept through prototype to production.
• Coordinate design release, build readiness, and engineering change control activities.
• Ensure all NPI milestones (prototype builds, validation, SOP) are achieved.
• Act as the interface between design engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure design-for-manufacture (DFM) principles are applied throughout development.

Prototype & Build Management

• Plan and support prototype and development vehicle builds.
• Capture and track build issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure readiness of components and tooling.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including design, quality, and production teams.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and programme requirements.
• Support APQP activities including PFMEA and control plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve programme execution and product quality.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience in a Project Engineer, Programme Engineer, or NPI Engineering role.
• Strong understanding of NPI and product development lifecycle.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within low-volume vehicle manufacturing.
• Familiarity with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP.
• Strong project ownership and accountability.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Engineering-led specialist vehicle manufacturing environment.
• Combination of offices, workshop, and production areas.

Success Measures

• Successful delivery of NPI milestones.
• Achievement of programme timing, cost, and quality targets.

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.