SACHA
Lead Chassis Design Engineer
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Lead Chassis Design Engineer
Department
Chassis & Vehicle Dynamics
Location
Coventry, UK
Reports To
Chassis & Dynamics Principal / Chief Vehicle Engineer
Employment Type
Rolling Contract
Experience
Approximately 5+ years, subject to technical depth and background
Role Summary
The Lead Chassis Design Engineer will join a small, fast-moving engineering team responsible for developing high-performance vehicle platforms. The role focuses on the design and integration of chassis systems including suspension, braking, steering, and structural components. Working closely with vehicle dynamics, prototype build, and supplier teams, the successful candidate will take chassis systems from concept through detailed design, release, and production validation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of chassis systems including suspension linkages, steering systems, braking systems, and chassis structural components.
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D drawings in CATIA V5 using Part Design, Surface Design, and Drafting workbenches.
- Generate and manage DFMEAs and engineering documentation supporting subsystem development.
- Manage Bill of Materials (BOM) structures and support engineering release processes.
- Interface with suppliers to support sourcing and manufacture of prototype and production components.
- Work with prototype build technicians to ensure designs are correctly realized during vehicle builds.
- Support and plan vehicle testing activities when required.
- Present design progress and engineering updates during vehicle-development meetings.
- Take ownership of the architecture and detailed design of complete chassis subsystems across multiple vehicle programs.
- Take ownership of releasing chassis subsystems for prototype and production manufacture.
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Typical Time Allocation
- 45% - CAD design engineering, including CATIA V5 modelling, surfacing, and drawing creation.
- 25% - Supplier liaison and procurement support.
- 20% - DFMEA generation and BOM management.
- 10% - Prototype build and testing support.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong proficiency in CATIA V5, including Part Design, Surface Design, and Drafting.
- Experience designing chassis systems such as suspension, steering, braking, or structural components.
- Ability to create and maintain timing plans for component development.
- Demonstrated capability to take components from concept through detailed design to release for manufacture.
- Solid understanding of design for manufacture and mechanical-engineering fundamentals.
- Experience creating and managing engineering drawings and BOM structures.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative engineering team.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Background spanning motorsport and OEM vehicle-development environments.
- Experience supporting prototype vehicle builds alongside workshop technicians.
- Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes relevant to low-volume vehicle production.
- Understanding of vehicle ride and handling characteristics and their relationship to chassis design.
Working Environment
The role is based within a small, agile engineering team developing performance vehicle platforms at a faster pace than traditional OEM programs. Engineers are expected to remain closely connected to the physical development of the vehicle and regularly interact with workshop and prototype-build activities. The position is primarily office-based in Coventry, with occasional travel to test tracks and external testing facilities. Extended working days may occasionally be required during development phases.
Candidate Profile
- Enjoys solving complex mechanical-design problems.
- Is comfortable progressing work rapidly from concept to production.
- Communicates clearly with engineers, suppliers, and technicians.
- Maintains a hands-on mindset and actively engages with vehicle-build and development activities.
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