Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA); Nuneaton; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

25 days annual leave

Bank Holidays

Professional qualifications paid

Employee Assistance Programme

Hybrid working

Job summary

Vehicle Certification Agency is seeking a Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer in a hybrid role. The position focuses on emissions testing programmes and leading regulatory support for environmental type-approval topics, including electric range testing and tailpipe emissions.

You will help advance propulsion knowledge from battery-electric to hydrogen-fuelled engines and advise engineers and manufacturers globally on standards and compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong background with automotive propulsion systems and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of government policy relating to propulsion systems.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills for collaboration.
• Experience operating within ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Evidence-based strategic decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Market Surveillance and In-Service Conformity annual testing programmes for emissions, including forecasting and budgeting.
• Active participation in regulatory forums (UNECE) to support policy objectives like Euro 7.
• Lead the development and delivery of environmental training and legislative interpretations.
• Oversee technical checks on GB type-approval applications and zero emission vehicle grants.
• Line management responsibilities in the Propulsion Technologies Group.

Skills

Automotive propulsion

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

ISO 9001 experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/technical discipline

Job description

470705 Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer

Vehicle Certification Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 23rd August 2026

Location:

Bristol, Nuneaton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

In addition to your basic salary of £44,241-£51,775, this role attracts a non-pensionable £4,500 annual allowance in recognition of the requirement for professional engineering and/or relevant professional occupational experience. After 3-years in the SEO post the allowance will be increased to £9,000 per annum to reflect experience gained in the role. If you work part time, these payments will be pro-rated.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The role of the Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer spans two main workstreams: the delivery of vehicle emissions testing programmes; and leading the regulatory support offered by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) for environmental type-approval subjects, such as electric range testing, tailpipe emissions, and vehicle noise.

The role will help you to continue to develop a thorough understanding of vehicle propulsion technologies, from battery-electric vehicles to hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines, and how these fit into the current and future landscape of national and international environmental vehicle standards. The training and experiences gained will give you the skills needed to independently offer support and advice to engineers and vehicle manufacturers based all around the world.

Top Responsibilities

• Lead Market Surveillance and In-Service Conformity annual testing programmes for emissions, including forecasting and budgeting, project management, test data analysis and reporting;
• Active participation in regulatory forums, such as in the UNECE, to support the VCA’s and Department for Transport’s policy objectives in the delivery of new or updated regulations such as Euro 7;
• Lead the development and delivery of environmental training and legislative interpretations to internal and external audiences;
• Oversee the delivery of technical checks on applications for GB type-approval and zero emission vehicle grants;
• Line management responsibilities in the Propulsion Technologies Group.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Strong technical background with significant experience in automotive propulsion systems and associated regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of government policy relating to automotive propulsion systems.
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties.
• Experience of operating within quality management systems, for example ISO9001.
• Excellent evidence-based strategic decision-making abilities.

Licences

A full UK Category B Driving Licence is essential

Qualifications

Qualification in an engineering or technical discipline equivalent to Bachelor's degree, including Honours and Foundation degree and Diplomas of Higher Education. NQF level 5 and 6, or equivalent experience

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 23rd August 2026