G54

Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)

Stoke-on-Trent
Posted 12 days ago

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Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)

About the Role We are building a new automotive engineering business focused on the design and manufacture of high-quality CNC-machined components.

Our focus is on performance-led parts — components that improve how vehicles function, perform, and behave, rather than simply replacing existing parts.

Our approach is simple: performance is achieved through correct engineering decisions, not just styling or marketing buzz.

We operate with in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability, allowing us to design, prototype, and refine products quickly and properly.

Our work will span a range of modern performance and high-end vehicles — from OEM+ upgrades through to more specialised applications.

We are looking for a Lead Design Engineer to work directly with the Director & GM to define, design, and develop our product range from the ground up.

This is a hands-on, collaborative role where you will help establish how products are engineered, not just what they look like.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design and develop performance-oriented automotive components for CNC machining Work closely with the Director to make design and product decisions Translate concepts into production-ready, manufacturable parts Iterate designs through real-world testing and machining feedback Consider tolerances, materials, and constraints from the outset Support validation, refinement, and continuous improvement of products Contribute to defining internal standards for how components are designed and developed

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What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This role is: hands-on and practical collaborative and discussion-led focused on improving products through engineering

This role is not: a corporate “Head of Engineering” position a pure CAD execution role a management-heavy position

What We’re Looking For

Core Skills Solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles Strong CAD capability (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar) Reverse engineering experience - form 3d Scans or base components Good understanding of CNC machining processes and constraints Ability to design parts that are both functional and manufacturable

Experience Typically 4–7 years in a design / mechanical engineering role Experience working with real, physical components and assemblies

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Mindset Detail-focused and methodical Comfortable working in a small, developing business Open to collaboration and technical discussion Interested in improving how things work, not just producing designs

Nice to Have (Not Essential) Interest in cars and automotive engineering Exposure to CNC machining environments Experience with performance or aftermarket automotive components

Why This Role Is Different Direct access to in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability Opportunity to work on performance-focused components across a range of modern vehicles Ability to design, test, and refine parts quickly Involvement in real product decisions from day one Close working relationship with the Director/GM Opportunity to help define the engineering standards of the business as it grows.

Final Note We are not looking for someone to simply fill a position. We are looking for someone who wants to be involved in building a business focused on improving performance cars through proper engineering, from the first decision through to the finished part.

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Skills

Mechanical Engineering
CAD
Reverse Engineering
CNC Machining
Design
Prototyping
Testing
Collaboration
Continuous Improvement
Performance Engineering
Manufacturing
Tolerances
Materials
Product Development
Real-World Testing
Engineering Standards