JOB DESCRIPTION

Principal Engineer to support an award-winning range of combustion engines and a number of exciting engine development programmes. This will suit an individual looking for an opportunity to develop their career within a fast- paced organisation at the cutting edge of engine design and development.

Principal Engineer Role:

You will be responsible for taking a multitude of new engine systems and components from concept to flawless launch, ensuring a robust system/component sign-off meeting all regulatory, quality, cost and timing requirements.

You will lead a small team of Engineers working on a defined work programme. The team will deliver the work programme from concept to delivery – from specification, through analysis, testing and development, to engineering sign-off and production.

The team will also support in-house quality, manufacturing and service teams in resolving complex technical issues arising as a result of warranty and / or issues that lead to engineering change as the permanent solution. All in all, resulting in a robust product of world class quality.

Support and drive integration of the engine sub-systems teams through programme launch to mass production, liaising with various operational functions such as manufacturing, assembly, quality, purchasing, materials etc.

Provide oversight and ensure areas of interaction between sub-systems are highlighted, conflicts resolved, and strategy and ownership agreed.

Represent the sub-system and system engineering teams within the project core team and ensure progress is regularly reported and issues escalated as appropriate.

Ownership of project prototype control plans and builds.

Ensure that engine system DVP is sufficiently robust to fully validate the engine system, sub-systems and intended applications.

Create and maintain an engine level project plan encompassing all sub-systems ensuring critical path is demonstrated.

Provide the engineering link between machine teams and Power Systems to ensure required integration work is robustly completed and required information flow is maintained.

Provide regular reports on engineering project status to leadership.

Maintain open issue (ePCM) tracking and reporting to ensure resolution is progressed and completed in a robust manner using recognised methodologies.

Principal Engineer Responsibilities:

Create and maintain system specifications document based upon programme targets – using/commissioning the relevant analysis tools to support data driven design decisions.
Ensure any project scope change is documented and agreed before work begins.
Generate in partnership with Mechanical Development team the engine system DVP.
Report the level of effectiveness in identifying failure modes which will be demonstrated by the developed DVP by Job 1.
Co-ordinate and supervise DVP tests/analyses (analytical, rig, engine and machine).
Chair a regular ePCM review on all open issues and sign off in conjunction with sub-system Principal Engineers. each stage of any ePCM especially any ICA or PCA`s ahead of implementation.
Write systems test and development technical reports.
Support programme gateways and reviews.
Support engineering sign-off with robust test and validation data and technical reports.
Provide clear communication and support to all customers, engineering teams and suppliers:
Coordination with other functional areas, such as programme teams, purchasing, quality, other development teams
Monitor and report status to relevant parties
Highlight issues in a timely and appropriate manner
Communicate lessons learned; propose design guide/process updates.

Lead a small team of engineers throughout the product development cycle to:
Create system and component specifications and design (cascaded from programme targets) – using/commissioning the relevant analysis tools to support data driven design decisions.
Develop system and component FMEAs, and DVPs.
Co-ordinate and supervise DVP tests/analyses (analytical, rig, engine and machine).
Resolve engineering issues using recognised methodologies.
Support programme gateways and reviews.
Support achievement of business`s quality and warranty targets

To provide clear communication and support to all customers, engineering teams and suppliers:
Coordination with other functional areas, such as programme teams, purchasing, quality, other development teams
Monitor and report status to relevant stakeholders ranging up to Senior Director Level.
Highlight issues in a timely and appropriate manner.

Supplier management:
Work in a simultaneous engineering environment to support the development plan, ensuring design for manufacture and assembly.
Manage suppliers via the APQP process.
Work with suppliers to deliver prototypes and PPAP parts to schedule, meeting quality and performance requirements

Development of team members:
Lead team members` development and growth – focussing on skills gap analysis, with creation and implementation of development plans (delivering through coaching, regular reviews/appraisals, and formal training).
Play a key role in the continuous development of the design and systems engineering function through lessons learned implementation, design guide development/update, and new process introduction/update.

Principal Engineer Requirements:

In addition to a passion for engineering, a proven track record of delivery, and a desire to be ‘hands-on` with projects from concept to completion you will:

Have a degree in an associated mechanical engineering discipline, with a sound understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles (showing an attention to detail, and being data driven).
Ideally >12 years of relevant industry experience.
Be experienced in leading a small team of engineers in a product development environment (ideally with an engine manufacturer or Tier 1 supplier), with a level of technical gravitas consistent with the responsibilities of the role.
Significant experience / specialism in the engine systems as highlighted before would be preferable.
Knowledge of mechanical engineering GD&T and manufacturing processes.
Have a sound grasp of the engine product development cycle, and expertise in engine system and component specification, design, development and sign-off (using relevant tools).
Demonstrated good project and team management skills and good commercial awareness.
Demonstrated ability to manage and influence non-direct reports.
Be able to work well under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels with appropriately tailored material.
Show flexibility - the role will be dynamic, and the individual will need to be able to respond accordingly to ensure project success.

Principal Engineer Benefits:

In addition to an excellent salary, career progression and development opportunities, our Client offers an excellent company pension scheme, medical insurance and dental care schemes, access to the company`s healthy living centre and 33 days annual leave and flexibility around daily start and finish times. You will also have access to the Company`s Reward Hub, giving you fantastic savings across a huge range of high street retailers, as well as access to exclusive company perks such as the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Applications:

Applications are welcomed from Candidates who possess the relevant skills and experience as detailed in the job description.

Recent Graduates who do not have the required level of skills and experience need not apply.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK before making an application and it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence of such eligibility.

If you are interested in this position, please contact natalie@gentecrecruit.co.uk