Principal Engineer - Powertrain

Principal Engineer - Powertrain

Department: Powertrain

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Windlesham

Reporting To: Nik Hoyle

Description

We are looking for a Principal Engineer – Powertrain to lead the Powertrain function across Gordon Murray Automotive programmes, delivering the design, development, calibration and global regulatory certification of ultra-low-volume, cutting-edge automotive powertrain systems. The role has overall technical accountability for the Powertrain function, providing leadership across powertrain engineering, programme delivery, regulatory compliance, supplier management and R&D activities. You will lead and develop the engineering team while ensuring powertrain systems meet programme objectives, quality standards and applicable niche-market regulatory requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of advanced powertrain systems for ultra-low-volume vehicles, with production volumes of up to 100 units per year.

Key Responsibilities

You will provide strategic and technical leadership across the Powertrain function, working closely with programme teams, multidisciplinary engineering functions, suppliers and regulatory bodies to deliver complete powertrain systems from concept through to production.

This is your chance to:

• Lead the Powertrain engineering team in the design and development of all powertrain components and systems.
• Provide technical leadership across base engine design and integration, EMS hardware and calibration, cooling, lubrication, clutch and hydraulic systems, gearbox, final drive, gearshift, reservoirs and associated pipework.
• Lead the Powertrain function across programmes, ensuring delivery of BoM structure, mass, design and release timing, technical specifications, DFMEA, DVP inputs and ETRS.
• Establish and lead the strategy for global powertrain certification using EPA/CARB Small Volume Manufacturer exemptions and EU Small Series Type Approval frameworks.
• Oversee EMS and OBD-II development and integration to meet applicable CARB, EPA, EU and UK requirements.
• Direct the engineering of fuel, evaporative and exhaust aftertreatment systems to meet applicable emissions requirements, including CARB evaporative test procedures and Euro 7+ standards.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact with external technical services and regulatory bodies during physical witness testing and validation phases.
• Operate autonomously within the Powertrain function and provide strategic direction to programmes and the wider business on Powertrain matters.
• Define and cascade vehicle and system requirements, ensuring appropriate assembly and component requirements are established by the engineering team.
• Lead feasibility studies and risk assessments to support engineering decisions and mitigate potential issues.
• Work with suppliers on design‑for‑manufacture studies to ensure components achieve programme requirements.
• Direct the function in carrying out risk assessments and FMEA from the earliest stages of design.
• Lead the creation of DVP requirements to ensure the durability, reliability and functionality of Powertrain components.
• Liaise with development teams to ensure appropriate testing and validation activities are completed.
• Take overall responsibility for project delivery within the Powertrain function and associated R&D activities.
• Manage and balance Powertrain resources, including justification for additional permanent and contract resource where required by programmes.
• Create and maintain working‑level plans aligned with programme timing requirements.
• Work closely with design/styling, attributes, quality, development, purchasing and manufacturing to ensure effective integration of Powertrain systems.
• Manage strong commercial and technical relationships with suppliers and partners to secure black‑box and grey‑box delivery despite niche production volumes.
• Develop longer‑term strategic relationships with appropriate suppliers and partners.
• Drive continuous improvement across Powertrain design processes, methodologies and tools.
• Empower the Powertrain team to take ownership and make decisions within programme boundaries, while ensuring issues, successes and proposed solutions are clearly communicated.
• Promote a culture of responsibility, accountability, collaboration and technical excellence across the Powertrain function.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You’ll be a technically authoritative Powertrain engineer and experienced leader with a strong background in high-performance, low-volume engineering.

• Minimum 10-12 years' experience in high-performance Powertrain engineering.
• At least 3-5 years' experience in a dedicated leadership role within a low-volume OEM, motorsport or aerospace environment.
• Proven track record of successfully executing EPA/CARB SVM certification and EU/UK Small Series schemes from concept through to production.
• Deep technical understanding of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, US 40 CFR Part 86 and California CCR Title 13 regulations.
• Hands‑on experience with EMS calibration strategies, emissions chassis dynamometer testing and evaporative SHED testing protocols.
• Extensive experience using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, engine dynos and virtual simulation to support powertrain development and reduce the requirement for extensive fleet durability testing.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• Proven experience in Powertrain leadership, design and project engineering, preferably within Automotive, Motorsport or Aerospace.
• In‑depth knowledge of Powertrain design, development and optimisation, with hands‑on experience using relevant engineering tools and software.
• Strong understanding of base engine design and integration.
• Strong knowledge of EMS calibration for legislative and attribute requirements.
• Knowledge of cooling systems, including heat rejection requirements, cooler performance and simulation.
• Knowledge of lubrication systems, including heat rejection requirements, cooler performance and simulation.
• Understanding of gearbox, final drive and gearshift systems and their effect on legislative and attribute requirements.
• Appreciation of compliant nodes and their isolating effect.
• Knowledge of aluminium, titanium and steel manufacturing processes and appropriate material selection.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of leading engineering teams.
• Strong organisational, communication and decision‑making skills.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and driving continuous improvement.
• A creative thinker with a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering possibilities.
• Self-directing, resourceful, flexible and ambitious, with a strong focus on delivering objectives.
• Clear and effective communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong team player.

Managerial & Team Leadership Responsibilities

You’ll provide leadership for the Powertrain team, supporting individual development while ensuring the function has the capability, resources and direction required to deliver programme objectives.

• Establish strong team relationships and provide technical support for people development, coaching and mentoring.
• Set, support and motivate team members to achieve company, departmental and personal objectives through the company PDP process.
• Conduct 1:1 sessions and support the development of team members.
• Manage day‑to‑day team activities and delegate workloads fairly.
• Plan and evaluate departmental activities and delegate as required.
• Take responsibility for team and departmental resources and work with the internal recruitment team when required.
• Lead by example.
• Manage conflict, resolve incidents and solve problems.
• Share and cascade information and communicate goals clearly.
• Empower team members to take ownership and make decisions within their areas of responsibility.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and engineering excellence.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to lead the Powertrain function responsible for delivering the systems at the heart of Gordon Murray Automotive's ultra‑low‑volume, high‑performance vehicles.

You will have overall technical and programme responsibility across Powertrain, working from concept and requirements definition through design, development, testing, certification and production. Your leadership will directly influence powertrain performance, regulatory compliance, engineering quality and programme delivery.

You’ll lead a highly capable engineering function while helping shape the Powertrain systems, engineering processes and technical capability required for future Gordon Murray Automotive programmes.

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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