Senior Principal Vehicle Test Engineer, Heavy Duty Vehicles

UTAC; Bedford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vehicle testing company in Bedford is seeking an experienced Vehicle Test Engineer. This role involves planning and conducting vehicle tests, particularly focused on durability testing of heavy-duty vehicles like buses and trucks. Candidates should hold a degree or possess extensive experience in a related field. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach are essential. The position is full-time and primarily on-site, with attractive benefits including competitive pay and personal development opportunities.

Benefits

Life Cover

Access to discounts via Perkz

Recognition awards

Healthcare cashback plans

Generous holiday benefits

Contributory pension schemes

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Verification and validation testing experience required.
• Basic practical skills in automotive mechanics.
• Customer service experience is important.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and review test activities.
• Schedule work to deliver tests efficiently.
• Lead issue investigations and repairs on test vehicles.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Good technical understanding of heavy-duty vehicles

Strong organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Ability to work well in a team

Education

Degree level education in a relevant subject

Job description

Reports to: Principal Engineer Vehicle Test

The Vehicle Test team utilise the extensive track facilities at UTACs Millbrook Proving Ground to conduct whole vehicle testing on production and prototype vehicles.

This is a varied role where you will have the opportunity to gain the unique yet transferable skills associated with vehicle testing. Your day would consist of time on track evaluating vehicles collecting verifying and analysing data as well as time within the office and workshop while you keep your customer projects progressing.

Test subjects covered by the team include: Vehicle durability NVH road load data collection ADAS vehicle dynamics subjective appraisals and many others. This particular role will be focused on Durability testing on Heavy Duty vehicles such as buses trucks and military.

Working within our Vehicle Test team is unlike other workplaces so were looking for well-rounded professionals who are keen to learn and apply their skills to exciting new challenges.

Role & Responsibilities

Plan Conduct Review Collate Communicate test activities by;

• Working as a team of Engineers and Technicians to deliver customer programs.
• Scheduling work and facility utilisation to deliver tests efficiently.
• Collecting processing and reporting data for test activities.
• Learning to make engineering judgements on the performance of test vehicles.
• Leading issue investigations coordinating repairs and rebuilds on test vehicles.
• Compiling progress/incident/certification reports.
• Liaising with customers in a professional manner.
• Generating ideas that contribute to departmental growth and improvements.
• Acting in accordance with the behaviours for UTAC staff at all times.

Experience

• Verification and validation testing.
• Conducting technical investigations and report writing.
• Basic practical skills - mechanical/automotive.
• Customer service experience.
• Basic knowledge of alternative fuelled vehicles (EV/ Hybrid/ Hydrogen).
• Basic knowledge of vehicle network systems CAN LIN FlexRay.

Skills

• Strong communication skills - verbal written and interpersonal.
• Good technical understanding of heavy-duty vehicles.
• Strong organisational analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Confident when communicating with customers.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to overcome unforeseen challenges.

Personal Behaviours

• Willingness to learn.
• Customer focused.
• Punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Dependable personally and within a team.
• Pro‑active attitude to work.
• Positive outlook on overcoming challenges.

Other

• Flexibility to travel as and when required.
• Full UK driving licence & own transport (UTAC is not easily accessible via public transport).
• SC clearance or ability to achieve this.
• Willing to undergo a Criminal Disclosure check.

NOTE: This position is based primarily on-site at Millbrook Bedford but off‑site testing may be required for short periods at a time.

Qualifications

Degree level education in relevant subject or extensive experience in similiar field

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.
• Healthcare cashback plans
• Generous holiday benefits
• Contributory pension schemes
• Attractive family friendly policies; maternity paternity shared parental leave flexible working.
• Access to a variety of employee assistance support services.

Learn more about UTAC and what do at

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 and no fees will be accepted or paid in respect of speculative CVs received.

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Full-time

Key Skills

• Bank Reconciliation
• Informatica
• Environment Health And Safety
• Health And Safety Management

Experience

years

Vacancy

1