Senior Studio Engineer

Position Title: Senior Studio Engineer Duration: 10 Months Location: Hybrid Working - 2-3 days on site in Woking, SurreyDivision: Design StudioPurpose of the roleAs a Studio Engineer you will work closely with the creative designers and CAS modelling team to ensure that they understand the feasibility requirements for each project.
You will develop engineering solutions and provide guidance to the design team to help deliver the design intent as closely as possible, meeting all engineering requirements for interior and exterior.
Deliver Catia surface models that define an exterior or interior of a vehicle that meets all attribute & feasibility targets including cost & weight considerations.Deliver to engineering the surfaces required to construct the production parts through each stage of the surface release process as set out in the program High Level timing planThe OpportunityThe Studio Engineer will ensure that the integrity of the design is maintained whilst delivering a vehicle which meets or exceeds all targets.This position makes up part of the overall Studio engineering team with primary responsibility for delivering a feasible vehicle by managing activity through the processes available at each stage of the vehicle development.Key Performance IndicatorsUsing your personal knowledge and experience while also reaching out to stakeholders you will resolve issues through Programme Gateways from Pre KO to Production SurfacingYou will track and resolve disconnects through weekly Feasibility Meetings and maintain weekly status reports which identify where issues require escalation for resolution in a timely manner appropriate to current gateways and requirementsLiaise closely with Concept Engineering, Function Groups and Attribute owners to ensure own understanding of assumptions, engineering standards and requirements.Also ensure the other teams understanding of the Design Intent and process creating inclusive and transparent working relationshipsKey Accountabilities and ResponsibilitiesTypically work with, but not limited to, the studio engineering activities for a full-scale interior/exterior programme for a single or multiple vehicle product rangeWork closely with Concept Engineering, Function Groups and Attribute owners to ensure input to the development of the design aesthetic is interrogatedReview the generation and development of feasible engineering schemes in Computer Assisted Design (CAD) to deliver aesthetic designsGeneration of creative alternatives where necessary to meet the Design Intent which challenge assumptions, propose alternative attribute balances and are capable of delivering high quality resultsUsing your knowledge and by reaching out to stakeholders you will resolve issues through Design and Programme Gateways from Pre KO to Production Surfacing handover during the Delivery and Surface Change Request (SCR) phasesAssess compatibility of Design Intent against Programme Assumptions and Attribute Targets as described in the Product Brief & PMXUManage results against the Design Feasibility Gateway deliverables (aligned engineering freeze)Responsible for the adherence of the design themes to legal requirements, programme assumptions, internal standards (e.g., MAL Standards) and attribute requirementsSet and lead the prioritisation the activities and escalation routes / forums for design issue resolution (Zone Reviews and Design Delivery Meeting)Present issues and feasibility solutions to series ManagerContact External customers to initiate and lead discussion around disconnects for a given vehicle(s)Prioritise issues and set the agenda for weekly Design Delivery Meetings to discuss and resolve issues between internal and external customersCreate weekly programme status reports and issues resolution planning and execution then review with Series ManagerBe responsible for creating & maintaining the Surface Release part numbers & structuring them in VPNTake ownership of the Box filing structure for the transfer of inputs into Design & forwarding surface models to the engineering communityReview inputs into Design with the designers and CAS team to ensure understanding of each and then approve or reject according to the SAP/ER processMaintain the Vehicle Definition Geometry Tracker (VDGT) for input status & Design complianceUndertake any other work as directed by their Series or line manager in connection with their job as may be requestedKey InteractionsCreative Designers3D Modelling Teams (Clay, CAS, ICEM)Product Engineering Teams (Concept and Function Group)Manufacturing (virtual builds)Vehicle Attribute Teams / EngineersPerceived Quality (including dimensional management for setting targets)Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential: Catia softwareBroad understanding of Exterior Body and Structures, Exterior Trim engineering, Exterior Lighting systems, Occupant & Pedestrian Safety, Closures, Manufacturing and Assembly, Interior Instrument Panel, Console, Seat and Door Trim engineeringPeople skills - a critical element of the role is the resolution of difficult feasibility issues therefore the ability to work in a cross functional team is keyThe highest level of communication & arbitration skills both verbally & using all Microsoft applications will be needed every day, the ability to interact at all staff levels from executive to intern in a manner that can be easily understood will be necessary.The ability to balance Design & engineering requirements without prejudice while meeting attribute, feasibility, cost & weight considerations through a sound knowledge of the latest techniques & materials.
Be a natural problem solverDemonstrates the ability to think creatively to solve feasibility issuesAbility to think creatively to solve 3Dimensional (3D) technical issuesApply business acumen and a customer driven mind-set to deliver designsRelevant degree or equivalent experience preferredExpert CAD drafting knowledgeKnowledge of the Design Department ProcessProven ability to work to deadlines and prioritise your own workloadMicrosoft Office applications; notably Excel, Word, PowerPointExperience of working within the Design Studio environmentCATIA V5 / ENOVIADesirable: Experience of PPS / Agile engineering delivery processesRole may be tailored for applicants with either Interior or Exterior Engineering experiencePersonal ProfileEssentialAn individual with a customer first mindset who is easy to do business with and makes people feel special, driven to deliver experiences that are personalised, transparent and dependableAn individual who is results driven, demonstrates, tenacity, drive, and perseverance, with the ability to deliver in a complex, highly demanding environment.An individual with the ability to combine a short term, pragmatic focus with longer term planningAn individual who is resilient, energetic, and enthusiastic, able to deliver results under pressure, whilst responding constructively to challenging new ideas and inputsAn individual who can challenge existing thinking in a positive way whilst building credibility and trust through experience and personal styleAn excellent communicator who can relay and understand complex ideasAn effective team player and supports other team membersAn individual with the ability to prioritise their own workloadA proactive team player who supports team members, who is happy to be hands on and build cross-functional relationshipsDesirable: A passion for the automotive industry and the potential of automotive technologyResilient and enthusiastic, an individual able to deliver results under pressure, whilst responding constructively to challenging new ideas and inputsWhy work through Contech's?Contechs are a leading Automotive, Design, Engineering, Technology & Innovation Recruitment Consultancy.
Founded in 1997, with an inhouse Contractor Care Team to support all external employee's, acts as an employment agency for permanent and contract recruitment.How to ApplyIf you're interested in applying for this position, submit your application and one of our recruiters will be in touch.If you know anyone that is suitable for the role please visit the below page we offer up to £600 referral fee: *Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the UK*