Principal Engineer - Suspension

Group Lotus

Hethel, United Kingdom

The role

We’re looking for a Principal Engineer – Suspension to take technical ownership of the design and delivery of world-class suspension systems for Lotus vehicles.

Reporting to the Chassis Chief Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the quality, cost, function and timing of suspension systems throughout the full product development lifecycle. You’ll lead the suspension team from a technical perspective, working with a high degree of autonomy while ensuring vehicle and system-level targets are delivered.

This is a senior engineering role with significant cross-functional responsibility, combining technical leadership, project delivery, supplier collaboration, vehicle development and team management.

What you’ll be doing

Take technical ownership of assigned suspension systems and components from concept through to production.
Lead the suspension engineering team and ensure delivery against quality, cost, function and timing targets.
Define system-level targets, specifications, standards, guidelines and engineering procedures.
Track technical progress against programme timing plans and gateway milestones, identifying and driving corrective actions where required.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with teams including Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Quality, Software, ADAS, Manufacturing, NVH and Homologation.
Lead the development of component and system 3D data alongside CAD design engineers.
Authorise the technical approval and release of 3D data, 2D drawings and supporting engineering documentation.
Develop and manage technical documentation including Engineering Specifications, DFMEAs, DVPs and Design Concept Sheets.
Ensure robust validation through CAE simulation, rig testing and vehicle-level validation.
Identify failure modes, define countermeasures and drive issues through to resolution.
Support vehicle testing and development, including evaluating and debugging hardware and software.
Work with Purchasing to support supplier selection and nomination.
Maintain Bills of Material using Lotus PLM systems.
Recruit, develop and support team members to maximise capability and performance.
Travel to other sites as required to support programme delivery.

What we’re looking for

A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Strong technical knowledge of suspension system definition, design and verification, including structural suspension components, compliant mounting systems, vertical motion control and roll control.
Strong understanding of Vehicle Dynamics and the relationship between suspension systems and vehicle-level attributes.
Knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to suspension engineering.
Experience of suspension electrical and software architectures and their integration into vehicle architecture.
Technical project management experience within automotive engineering or another product-delivery environment.
Experience working with OEM product development processes and gateway requirements from concept through to Start of Production.
Experience with virtual and physical verification processes.
Experience using PLM systems and CAD, including CATIA V5.
Experience using Teamcenter.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
A well-organised and methodical approach with excellent attention to detail.
Confidence making autonomous technical decisions.
The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
A self-motivated, results-focused approach and the ability to remain effective under pressure.
Management experience.
A full UK driving licence.