Safety Engineer / Passive Safety

UTAC group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Cover

Perkz discounts

Contributory pension

Family friendly policies

Employee assistance

Job summary

UTAC Millbrook invites applications for an Engineer to join the Passive Safety team in a hands-on testing environment. You will support diverse passive safety and impact testing programmes for global customers, combining test preparation, execution, data analysis and reporting.

The role offers opportunities to broaden knowledge across passive safety, contribute to method development, and work within a shift-based testing schedule including day and afternoon shifts.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Automotive engineering or related field.
• HNC/HND in engineering with relevant industry experience.
• Experience with European/Federal regulations and consumer test protocols is a plus.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001 and 17025 is favourable.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with customers, witnesses authorities, and technical reps on and off site.
• Define test requirements and review applicable standards.
• Prepare test plans and execution docs coordinating with customers and teams.
• Prepare test articles with instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Ensure safe, compliant execution of tests meeting quality standards.
• Analyse data and draft reports with clear conclusions.
• Support development of improved data analysis, visualisation and reporting methods.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities within the team.
• Collaborate across the Passive Safety team on projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Instrumentation knowledge

Measurement systems

MS Office

Team collaboration

High-speed data acquisition

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Automotive

HNC/HND in engineering

Tools

DIAdem

XCrash

Vicasso

Job description

UTAC is a market-leading international group in digital & sustainable mobility, customisable testing solutions, vehicle engineering, homologation, regulatory advice & expertise, certification, training, corporate events and classic & sportscars festivals.

The Group provides services and test solutions to customers in the various sectors: mobility, transport, tyre, petrochemical, agriculture and defence industries. UTAC operates test centres and laboratories in France (including the official Euro NCAP facility), the UK, USA, Finland and Morocco; it has subsidiaries in China, Japan, South Korea, Italy & Romania. UTAC employs around 1300 people across its various locations.

As a group we share a strong and clear vision to deliver safe and efficient solutions and systems to our customers. We are proud and confident in our heritage, our capabilities and our people and believe that by creating a culture where individuals feel they can make a difference and enjoy coming to work, we can deliver the best possible service to our customers.

Our core values of Expertise, Innovationand Integrityprovide a clear daily guide to how we work together safely, as one team, helping each other to succeed.

Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for an Engineer to join the Passive Safety team at UTAC Millbrook.

Working within a customer-facing testing environment, the successful candidate will support the delivery of a wide range of passive safety and impact testing programmes for global customers. The role combines hands‑on test preparation and execution with technical analysis, customer interaction and problem‑solving activities.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to broaden their knowledge across the passive safety arena, supporting a variety of projects and contributing to the continuous improvement of test methods, data analysis and reporting processes. We welcome individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help us continually enhance the service we provide to our customers.

This role operates within a shift‑based testing environment, including day and afternoon shifts, to support customer programmes.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with customers, technical representatives and witnessing authorities both on and off site.
• Establish test requirements, including the review and application of relevant regulatory and customer standards.
• Prepare test plans and execution documentation whilst coordinating activities with customers and internal operational teams.
• Prepare test articles with appropriate instrumentation, measurement systems and associated test equipment.
• Ensure the safe, correct and efficient execution of tests to meet customer, legal and quality requirements.
• Conduct pre and post‑test inspections, measurements and assessments of test articles.
• Analyse test data and results, producing clear technical conclusions and statements of conformity where required.
• Prepare, review and approve technical reports to a high standard.
• Support the development and implementation of improved methods for data analysis, visualisation and reporting.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Support the development of bespoke test methods, fixtures and engineering solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Contribute to business development activities and technical discussions with customers.
• Work collaboratively across the wider Passive Safety team, supporting a range of activities as business needs require.
• Act in accordance with UTAC values and behaviours at all times.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant Engineering subject (Mechanical or Automotive preferred)
• HNC/HND in a relevant engineering discipline with industry experience.

Experience

• Experience in testing to European/Federal regulations and consumer test protocols considered favourable
• Knowledge of quality assurance (particularly ISO 9001, 14001 and 17025) is favourable
• Practical hands‑on mechanical experience.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of engineering and mechanical principles.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Understanding of occupant protection principles, crash test dummy instrumentation and injury assessment methods is advantageous.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and measurement systems used in dynamic testing environments.
• Understanding of high‑speed data acquisition and video capture systems would be beneficial.
• Experience using engineering software and data analysis tools such as DIAdem, XCrash, Vicasso or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of 3D scanning and measurement techniques would be beneficial.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Personal Behaviours

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Customer‑focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated with a desire to learn and develop.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Methodical and organised.
• Innovative thinker with the confidence to challenge existing approaches constructively.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and professional standards.
• High levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Respectful of different perspectives and committed to contributing to an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

Other

• Flexibility to work both day and afternoon shifts.
• Willingness to work overtime when required to support customer programmes.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally as business needs require.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport (UTAC Millbrook is not easily accessible by public transport).
• Should it be required, obtain Security Clearance (SC) or ability to obtain clearance (UK national and/or meeting residency requirements).
• Willingness to undergo a Criminal Disclosure check

We welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited by the opportunity but do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

For you, as a potential UTAC team member, we believe that the international and diverse nature of our business combined with the passion, energy and friendliness of our people create a great place to work. UTAC is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing inclusion and supporting our people to be themselves and at their very best.

By joining us you will gain access to a broad range of learning relevant to your role and personal development, as well as exposure to leading technologies and expertise.

Our reward and benefit programmes are designed to support our people with competitive and locally tailored packages combined with support for individual health and wellbeing both inside and outside of work.

In the UK this includes;

• Life Cover
• Access to a wide range of discounts and offers via the Perkz reward scheme
• Recognition awards linked to our UTAC values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity.
• Contributorypension schemes
• Attractivefamily friendly policies; maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, flexible working.
• Access to a variety of employee assistance support services.

Learn more about UTAC and what and how we do what we do at www.utac.com

Candidates for positions at UTAC must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the country the role is based in. Immigration visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Note to Recruitment Agencies:

UTAC do not accept speculative applications from agencies for our open positions and any submissions made will not be accepted or paid in respect of speculative CVs received.