DRVN Automotive Group
Lead Engineer - Lighting
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We are seeking a Lighting Lead Engineer to join a small, fast-moving engineering team responsible for the development of high-performance and specialist vehicle programmes.
The role will provide technical and delivery leadership for complete vehicle lighting systems throughout the product development lifecycle. Acting as the primary engineering interface for headlamps, tail lamps and associated exterior lighting, the role leads requirements capture, concept selection, optical and electronic integration, supplier delivery, validation, homologation, launch and series-production support. The role works across Design, Body, Electrical/Electronic, Software, Vehicle Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality and the supply base to deliver compliant, distinctive, robust and cost-effective lighting systems to programme timing, performance, quality and investment targets.
Overview of the Role
Lead Engineer - Lighting
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE
Location: Coventry
Company Overview
The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.
Our recent launch of Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons – including the RS200 and MK1 Escort – places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Delivery
- Own engineering delivery of front and rear lighting systems from concept through design, verification, release, launch and series production, including headlamps, tail lamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators, stop lamps, position lamps, reversing lamps, rear fog lamps, side markers, reflectors and, where applicable, front fog, cornering and adaptive lighting functions.
- Translate vehicle, styling, customer, legal and attribute requirements into controlled system, component and interface specifications covering optical performance, appearance, packaging, electrical load, diagnostics, thermal management, sealing, serviceability, mass, cost and timing.
- Lead package and feasibility reviews, resolving interfaces with Class-A surfaces, body structure, bumpers, closures, trim, wiring, controllers, sensors, software and vehicle networks while protecting build variation, aiming and adjustment requirements.
- Establish and maintain the lighting delivery plan, engineering bill of materials, requirement status, design maturity, issue log, risk register and gateway evidence; escalate threats with clear recovery actions.
- Chair technical reviews and lead structured problem-solving, failure investigation, design change and corrective action through to verified closure.
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Programme, Supplier & Commercial Delivery
- Support sourcing strategy, supplier selection and technical bid evaluation; define RFQ technical content, statements of work, deliverables, acceptance criteria and change-control expectations for lighting systems.
- Lead the nominated supplier against agreed APQP and programme milestones, including concept freeze, optical feasibility, design freeze, tooling release, design verification, product validation, production approval and start of production.
- Track supplier engineering, tooling, prototype, test, homologation and production-readiness deliverables; challenge assumptions, manage open points and implement recovery plans where timing, cost or quality is at risk.
- Manage component targets and status for piece cost, tooling investment, mass, quality, warranty, capacity and timing, providing accurate gateway reporting and engineering input to commercial decisions.
- Assess supplier capability in optical design, simulation, electronics, software, moulding, coating, joining, sealing, photometry, end-of-line test, traceability and volume industrialisation.
Validation, Homologation & Quality
- Create, agree and deliver DVP&R coverage for component and vehicle-level verification, including photometric and colour performance, EMC, electrical robustness, thermal performance, vibration and shock, environmental cycling, ingress protection, corrosion, chemical resistance, UV exposure, condensation and fogging, mechanical strength and life-cycle durability.
- Ensure headlamp beam patterns, aiming, levelling, cleaning and adaptive functions, together with all signalling functions, meet defined performance and legal requirements across production tolerances and vehicle variants.
- Own the engineering evidence required for applicable market approvals and complete-vehicle lighting installation compliance, working with homologation specialists and suppliers to secure approvals before programme gateways.
- Lead DFMEA, boundary diagrams, interface analyses, design reviews, test failure resolution and engineering sign-off; ensure deviations are risk assessed, authorised and closed.
- Support quality planning and production approval through control-plan review, dimensional and photometric capability, leak testing, end-of-line functional tests, traceability, appearance standards and issue containment.
Manufacturing, Launch & Series Support
- Ensure lighting designs are suitable for manufacture, vehicle assembly, adjustment, calibration, service and repair, with robust datum strategies, tolerances, fastening, sealing, connector access and poka-yoke provisions.
- Support prototype and pre-production builds, vehicle integration, night-drive evaluations, optical aiming, software calibration, production trials and launch readiness.
- Define build, inspection and acceptance requirements and resolve dimensional, appearance, condensation, electrical, diagnostic, photometric and fit-and-finish concerns using data-driven root-cause analysis.
- Provide engineering support for launch, warranty and series changes, ensuring lessons learned are captured in specifications, standards and future programmes.
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Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the primary technical and delivery point of contact for vehicle lighting decisions, risks, issues and escalations across programmes.
- Coordinate Design, Body, Electrical/Electronic, Software, Vehicle Integration, Attribute, Test, Homologation, Quality, Procurement, Manufacturing, Aftersales and supplier teams to achieve aligned outcomes.
- Communicate delivery status, technical recommendations, risks and trade-offs clearly to engineering leadership and programme stakeholders.
Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of automotive lighting optics, photometry, light sources, reflectors, projectors, light guides, lenses, bezels, housings, thermal management, coatings, adhesives, vents, sealing and condensation control.
- Understanding of LED drivers, power electronics, wiring interfaces, vehicle networks, diagnostics, software-controlled functions, EMC and electrical validation.
- Working knowledge of applicable automotive lighting regulations and approval frameworks, including installation, road-illumination, light-signalling and electromagnetic-compatibility requirements for target markets.
- Competence in requirements management, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance analysis, engineering change control, problem-solving and interpretation of CAD, drawings, specifications and GD&T.
- Strong technical judgement, programme delivery, supplier management and communication skills, with a practical, collaborative and detail-focused approach.
Right to Work
Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Right-to-work checks will be carried out in accordance with Home Office requirements.
Equality & Inclusion Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
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