Lead Engineer - EMS

Lead Engineer - EMS

Department: Powertrain

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Windlesham

Reporting To: Nik Hoyle

Description

We are looking for a Lead Engineer – Engine Management Systems (EMS) to take end-to-end ownership of EMS software and calibration delivery across all Gordon Murray Automotive programmes. Working across internal engineering teams and external software, calibration and Tier 1 partners, you will ensure EMS systems deliver the performance, compliance, robustness and reliability expected of GMA’s high-performance vehicles.

The role owns the EMS outcome rather than the coding or calibration activity itself. You will provide the technical leadership and governance required to ensure externally developed solutions are fully integrated, production-ready and aligned with GMA’s engineering standards.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering bespoke, low-volume, high-performance sports cars while working across development, vehicle integration, certification and series production.

The Role

You will be responsible for the technical delivery and governance of EMS software and calibration from concept through to certification and production. Working closely with suppliers, engineering, compliance and programme teams, you will ensure EMS solutions are technically robust, commercially controlled and fully integrated into the vehicle.

This is your chance to:

• Own the EMS software and calibration delivery plan across GMA programmes.
• Define technical requirements, scope, milestones and acceptance criteria for external suppliers.
• Act as the single point of accountability within GMA for EMS performance, maturity and regulatory readiness.
• Lead and manage third-party EMS software, calibration and Tier 1 engineering partners.
• Ensure robust fault handling, fail-safe strategies and predictable degraded operating modes.
• Ensure EMS is fully integrated with vehicle systems, diagnostics and controls.
• Balance high-performance requirements with emissions, durability, reliability and warranty risk.
• Ensure compliance with applicable emissions, OBD2, diagnostics, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the technical interface with internal certification teams, test houses and regulatory authorities.
• Support emissions, SHED, climatic, proving-ground and vehicle integration testing.
• Identify and manage technical, commercial and certification risks.
• Control supplier scope, cost and timing while avoiding short-term solutions that create technical debt.
• Provide clear technical updates to the CTO and senior programme stakeholders.
• Act as the ultimate EMS technical authority within GMA, providing leadership and decision-making under pressure.
• Drive continuous improvement across EMS development, integration, testing and supplier delivery.

UK & International Travel

Regular international travel will be required to support programme delivery and technical governance.

This will include:

• Climatic testing, including cold, hot and altitude development.
• Supplier technical reviews and development workshops.
• Vehicle integration, proving-ground and issue-resolution activities.
• Emissions, certification and regulatory support.

You will be comfortable operating in dynamic test environments and confidently representing GMA’s technical position with suppliers and external stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You'll be a technically authoritative and commercially aware powertrain engineer with extensive EMS experience, ideally gained within an OEM or Tier 1 environment and preferably within high-performance automotive applications.

Essential:

• Extensive experience delivering Engine Management Systems within an automotive OEM or Tier 1 environment.
• Proven experience managing externally developed EMS software and calibration.
• Strong understanding of EMS architectures, diagnostics, fault management and fail-safe strategies.
• Experience with EMS calibration, emissions testing and evaporative SHED testing.
• Strong knowledge of tailpipe emissions, evaporative emissions and OBD2 requirements.
• Deep understanding of global regulatory requirements, particularly EPA, CARB and EU/UK Small Series Type Approval.
• Proven experience managing Tier 1 suppliers and engineering consultancies.
• Experience integrating EMS software and calibration into complete vehicle systems.
• Strong technical leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance performance, emissions, durability, compliance, cost and programme timing.
• Commercial awareness and experience managing technical and supplier risks.
• Ability to operate effectively at engineering, programme and executive levels.

Desirable:

• Experience within a low-volume, high-performance or specialist OEM.
• Experience with bespoke, high-RPM or multi-cylinder combustion engines.
• Familiarity with multi-variant vehicle programmes.
• Knowledge of UN ECE R155/R156 and automotive software lifecycle requirements.
• Experience with HIL, engine dyno and virtual simulation testing.
• Experience supporting certification, conformity and regulatory approval activities.

Managerial & Team Leadership Responsibilities

You will provide strong technical leadership across internal teams and external partners, building effective relationships while maintaining clear accountability for EMS delivery.

• Lead by example and establish strong internal and supplier relationships.
• Communicate technical objectives, risks and priorities clearly.
• Provide confident technical direction and decision-making under pressure.
• Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Balance technical excellence with commercial and programme requirements.
• Remain pragmatic while being uncompromising on quality, compliance and product robustness.
• Focus on long-term engineering value rather than short-term fixes.
• Share and cascade information effectively across the engineering organisation.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to become the technical authority responsible for ensuring the Engine Management Systems behind GMA’s high-performance vehicles deliver exceptional performance while meeting the highest standards of reliability, emissions compliance and production robustness.

You will work at the interface between GMA, specialist software developers, calibration partners, Tier 1 suppliers, regulatory bodies and internal engineering teams. From defining requirements and governing supplier delivery through to vehicle integration, testing, certification and production, your work will have a direct impact on vehicle performance, compliance, durability and programme delivery.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the EMS capability behind future GMA programmes and contribute directly to the development of some of the world's most exciting low-volume performance cars.

Benefits

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team, the position comes with:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

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