Steering Engineer

The RLE INTERNATIONAL Group is one of the world's leading providers in the fields of vehicle development, technology & consulting. On the basis of more than 40 years of development & consulting, we provide innovative & effective solutions for our UK customers in the area of Automotive Engineering. RLE INTERNATIONAL is represented at locations close to its customers in Europe, Asia & USA.

As a group, Chassis Systems are responsible for the design, engineering & releasing of the following systems & components: Wheels & tyres, foundation brakes, suspension, steering, subframes, springs & dampers, roll control, active chassis controls & powertrain mounting systems across all future & current car lines.

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting the Steering team to engineer & integrate the steering system into the wider vehicle architecture – both mechanical & electrical. The successful candidate will have direct responsibility for engineering & managing Steering content, especially cross-functional coordination & liaison with suppliers – both new & incumbent – on parts varying between make to print & full service supplier. You will work with closely within the chassis & systems teams to ensure the correct steering system is specified, delivered & tested to exacting specifications. The role covers programs at various stages between concept & launch. You will work in concert with engineers covering suspension, electrical interface (CAN etc) as well as vehicle dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Support the design & delivery of Steering Systems

• Work with the Lead engineer, Concept & Attribute teams to create packaging & attribute requirements for front & rear steering systems including steering columns

• Liaise with external suppliers to design & develop systems & components that meet specified requirements & targets, ensuring parts are delivered on time & to the required quality standard.

• Work with Vehicle Line Managers to enable swift & accurate deployment of components & systems across all vehicle model lines.

• Work with Software, Electrical & Vehicle Attribute teams to deliver components which meet performance targets & freeze dates.

• Support DFMEAs, quality history reviews, robustness studies, DVP & Final Engineering Sign Off reporting.

• Support CAE work & rig testing for component & system validation.

• Support vehicle & rig tests with prototype components where required.

• Track & report status versus targets, create reference material & best practice documentation to aid ‘Right First Time’ component delivery.

• Responsible for delivering chassis components & systems to target budget for investment & piece cost.

• Components to be designed & engineered to meet targets for attribute performance, manufacturability, assembly & service.

• Accountability for releasing & final engineering sign off suspension components.

• To support problem solving/quality teams as directed by management & the Lead Engineer.

• You will be required to comply with all policies & procedures issued by & on behalf of the company

• Travel to supplier sites within the UK & abroad WILL be required. Travel between sites might be necessary during DVP testing & prototype build phases.

Knowledge, skills & experience

• Excellent experience of chassis or other hardware systems delivery with software integration at an automotive OEM or automotive Tier 1 supplier.

• Knowledge of Engineering Quality processes & tools such as D-FMEA, 6-sigma, 8D

• Planning & prioritising their own workload to meet department & wider business objectives. Assistance with engineering support for other chassis components may be required at peak times.

• Ability to work as part of a small team & actively participate in creation & development of innovative design solutions within the R&D environment.

• Good communication required with internal customers from the Chassis R&D, Vehicle Attribute Engineering, Programme & Commodity delivery teams & the wider business.

• Day-to-day working with external suppliers of chassis assemblies & sub-components, rig test houses & proving grounds.

• Experience with generating & updating timing plans.

• Knowledge of product development/creation systems like MISSION, GPDS, FPDS or AMPCS is preferred.

• Competent in all Microsoft Office applications.

Education

Engineering degree is preferred, however demonstrated technical excellence will be considered equally

Personal Attributes:

Strong time management, accuracy, diligence, ability to balance & prioritise multiple tasks to meet customer needs.

A team player, who delivers with others towards the goal & is able to compromise in order to reach a common goal.

Strong verbal, written & graphical communication skills

Demonstrates flexibility & shows respect for different perspectives & embraces change.

Shows commitment by taking ownership, planning effectively & focuses on achieving tasks.

Constant improvement attitude adapts to change, able to reflect on past experiences & is open to constructive feedback.

Ambitious & self-reliant. Intrinsically self-motivated.

Delivery focused, with demonstrable track record of on-time delivery

An understanding & awareness of appropriate escalation.

Eligibility: Sponsorship is not offered on this role and you must have the right to work in the UK

Hybrid working