Principal Engineer - Powertrain

Department: Powertrain

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Windlesham

Reporting To: Nik Hoyle

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Powertrain engineering team in the design and development of all powertrain components and systems.
• Provide technical leadership across base engine design and integration, EMS hardware and calibration, cooling, lubrication, clutch and hydraulic systems, gearbox, final drive, gearshift, reservoirs and associated pipework.
• Lead the Powertrain function across programmes, ensuring delivery of BoM structure, mass, design and release timing, technical specifications, DFMEA, DVP inputs and ETRS.
• Establish and lead the strategy for global powertrain certification using EPA/CARB Small Volume Manufacturer exemptions and EU Small Series Type Approval frameworks.
• Oversee EMS and OBD-II development and integration to meet applicable CARB, EPA, EU and UK requirements.
• Direct the engineering of fuel, evaporative and exhaust aftertreatment systems to meet applicable emissions requirements, including CARB evaporative test procedures and Euro 7+ standards.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact with external technical services and regulatory bodies during physical witness testing and validation phases.
• Operate autonomously within the Powertrain function and provide strategic direction to programmes and the wider business on Powertrain matters.
• Define and cascade vehicle and system requirements, ensuring appropriate assembly and component requirements are established by the engineering team.
• Lead feasibility studies and risk assessments to support engineering decisions and mitigate potential issues.
• Work with suppliers on design-for-manufacture studies to ensure components achieve programme requirements.
• Direct the function in carrying out risk assessments and FMEA from the earliest stages of design.
• Lead the creation of DVP requirements to ensure the durability, reliability and functionality of Powertrain components.
• Liaise with development teams to ensure appropriate testing and validation activities are completed.
• Take overall responsibility for project delivery within the Powertrain function and associated R&D activities.
• Manage and balance Powertrain resources, including justification for additional permanent and contract resource where required by programmes.
• Create and maintain working-level plans aligned with programme timing requirements.
• Work closely with design/styling, attributes, quality, development, purchasing and manufacturing to ensure effective integration of Powertrain systems.
• Manage strong commercial and technical relationships with suppliers and partners to secure black-box and grey-box delivery despite niche production volumes.
• Develop longer-term strategic relationships with appropriate suppliers and partners.
• Drive continuous improvement across Powertrain design processes, methodologies and tools.
• Empower the Powertrain team to take ownership and make decisions within programme boundaries, while ensuring issues, successes and proposed solutions are clearly communicated.
• Promote a culture of responsibility, accountability, collaboration and technical excellence across the Powertrain function.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum 10–12 years' experience in high-performance Powertrain engineering.
• At least 3–5 years' experience in a dedicated leadership role within a low-volume OEM, motorsport or aerospace environment.
• Proven track record of successfully executing EPA/CARB SVM certification and EU/UK Small Series schemes from concept through to production.
• Deep technical understanding of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, US 40 CFR Part 86 and California CCR Title 13 regulations.
• Hands-on experience with EMS calibration strategies, emissions chassis dynamometer testing and evaporative SHED testing protocols.
• Extensive experience using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, engine dynos and virtual simulation to support powertrain development and reduce the requirement for extensive fleet durability testing.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• Proven experience in Powertrain leadership, design and project engineering, preferably within Automotive, Motorsport or Aerospace.
• In-depth knowledge of Powertrain design, development and optimisation, with hands-on experience using relevant engineering tools and software.
• Strong understanding of base engine design and integration.
• Strong knowledge of EMS calibration for legislative and attribute requirements.
• Knowledge of cooling systems, including heat rejection requirements, cooler performance and simulation.
• Knowledge of lubrication systems, including heat rejection requirements, cooler performance and simulation.
• Understanding of gearbox, final drive and gearshift systems and their effect on legislative and attribute requirements.
• Appreciation of compliant nodes and their isolating effect.
• Knowledge of aluminium, titanium and steel manufacturing processes and appropriate material selection.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of leading engineering teams.
• Strong organisational, communication and decision-making skills.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and driving continuous improvement.
• A creative thinker with a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering possibilities.
• Self-directing, resourceful, flexible and ambitious, with a strong focus on delivering objectives.
• Clear and effective communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong team player.

• Establish strong team relationships and provide technical support for people development, coaching and mentoring.
• Set, support and motivate team members to achieve company, departmental and personal objectives through the company PDP process.
• Conduct 1:1 sessions and support the development of team members.
• Manage day-to-day team activities and delegate workloads fairly.
• Plan and evaluate departmental activities and delegate as required.
• Take responsibility for team and departmental resources and work with the internal recruitment team when required.
• Lead by example.
• Manage conflict, resolve incidents and solve problems.
• Share and cascade information and communicate goals clearly.
• Empower team members to take ownership and make decisions within their areas of responsibility.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and engineering excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite