Contract position Outside IR35
Hybrid working
Proven Steering Systems development experience in Automotive, ideally Defence Vehicles.
Our Client, a leading player in the automotive sector, is seeking a Systems Engineer - Steering Systems on a contract basis to contribute to the development, integration, and validation of steering systems across a variety of vehicle engineering projects. These projects include both defence and commercial platforms with powertrains ranging from conventional to electrified systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Contribution
- Support the design, development, and integration of steering systems (mechanical and electric power steering).
- Develop system requirements, specifications, and performance targets.
- Ensure designs comply with applicable standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
- Maintain technical integrity and system performance throughout the lifecycle.
Project Execution
- Deliver steering system engineering activities from concept through to validation and production support.
- Translate requirements into engineering solutions supporting system design and integration.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks and issues.
- Contribute to engineering calculations, analysis, simulations, test planning and execution.
- Prepare technical reports, specifications, and test documentation.
- Participate in technical reviews and project meetings.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with internal teams such as chassis and vehicle dynamics, design and packaging, CAE and simulation, test and validation.
- Coordinate with suppliers of steering components and systems.
- Ensure effective communication across teams for alignment and timely delivery.
- Represent steering systems in technical discussions as appropriate.
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Apply structured engineering approaches to resolve design and test issues.
- Conduct root cause analysis using methods like 8D and fault tree analysis.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of steering system design and validation processes.
Quality & Compliance
- Deliver engineering artefacts including DVP&R, DFMEA, and test plans and reports.
- Ensure alignment with relevant regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
- Follow engineering processes and change control procedures.
Customer & Delivery Focus
- Deliver engineering solutions that meet customer expectations for performance and robustness.
- Achieve programme targets for timing, cost, and quality.
Job Requirements:
Technical Expertise
- Experience in vehicle systems engineering, specifically steering systems (EPS, mechanical steering).
- Strong understanding of steering system fundamentals and geometry, as well as vehicle dynamics principles.
- Familiarity with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, GD&T, and engineering drawings.
- Knowledge of DVP&R, FMEA, and engineering documentation.
- Awareness of the vehicle development lifecycle from concept to production.
Engineering & Delivery Skills
- Ability to support the delivery of engineering tasks within project timelines.
- Experience in validation and test activities.
- Understanding of requirements management and system integration.
- Proficiency in data analysis and engineering reporting.
Communication & Collaboration
- Clear and effective communicator within engineering teams.
- Strong team player with the ability to work across disciplines.
- Customer- and delivery-focused mindset.
Preferred Skills & Capabilities
Industry Knowledge
- Understanding of steering system types (hydraulic, EPS, steer-by-wire) and their interactions with suspension systems and vehicle dynamics.
- Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, or defence vehicle engineering.
- Awareness of automotive development standards and processes.
Tools & Methods
- Exposure to simulation tools such as ADAMS and other vehicle dynamics tools.
- Familiarity with data acquisition and test analysis tools.
- Knowledge of DFMEA, 8D, and structured problem-solving approaches.
- Use of systems engineering tools (requirements management desirable).
Soft Skills
- Proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving.
- Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Systems Engineering.
- Experience in steering or chassis system development, vehicle testing, requirements management, DVP&R, and engineering documentation.
- Experience with commercial or off-highway vehicles is beneficial.
Security Requirements
- Willing and able to work on UK defence projects, including roles requiring security clearance (up to and including Secret where applicable).
