Senior Chassis Innovation & Systems Concept Engineer

Our purpose is to deliver innovative, high value design and engineering solutions, which utilise the advantages of our European environment to drive sales and profit for SAIC Motor globally. We created the world’s first ‘internet car’ which is currently dominating the Chinese car market, and here in the UK we are shaping the future of global mobility by challenging the status quo of traditional vehicle Engineering and Design.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide the concept definition for new chassis systems including but not limited to mounts, links, knuckles, springs, dampers and steering systems into new and existing vehicles/platforms. To provide tuning, development and sign off expertise with regards to the aforementioned when required yet also be a lead engineer to develop and project manage new technologies/systems for the SAIC Motor group.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

For AE Delivery projects (A4-A1 gateways) & Pre A4 advanced technical development & innovation

  • Responsible for delivery of chassis system concepts from first principles for new and existing vehicle projects/Architectures
  • CATIA V5 3D & 2D CAD creation with appropriate data management and release.
  • Responsible for development of specific system strategy for the business, which is likely to include rationalisation of existing concepts plus development of new strategies going forward
  • Ensure that concepts are optimised and balanced to meet the best targets for the project;
    • Package
    • Performance  - including kinematics and simulation
    • Cost & Quality
    • System functionality and performance
    • Complexity
    • Ease of manufacture
  • Engage stakeholders and customers where necessary to resolve issues and progress the delivery
  • Component design, development and test to optimise chassis performance
  • Develop global relationships with AE Chassis & Chassis department in China to promote global working – leverage services from these departments where skills/resources are not available in the UK
  • Prioritising and managing personal workload to ensure objectives and timing are met
  • Lead and support in new research projects and assist with aspects such as Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Procurement of parts, liaison with prototype manufacturers & external suppliers to ensure timely support of the project gateways/timings
  • Defining and managing project scope, change control and escalating issues where necessary
  • Drive the generation of innovation projects

Supporting job skills required:

  • Ability to lead multi-functional design reviews
  • Ability to present reports/CAD data accurately and coherently and at a senior level – Manager/Director – to be able to coach team members
  • Ability to lead meetings – specifically internal design/package reviews
  • Good communication skills, ability to work globally and develop global partnership(s)
  • Flexible, committed and motivated to work on more than one vehicle system at a time – ability to motivate team players
  • Ability to support business trips (and potentially longer term working) in China
  • Degree/HND or equivalent in Mechanical / Motorsport or Automotive Engineering
  • Extensive experience of bringing new technologies/products to market
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience of chassis related design, development and implementation ideally including new technologies within an Advanced Engineering environment