We are recruiting a Lead Vehicle Interior Trim Design Engineer for one of our automotive clients based in Cranfield. You will be working with a globally recognised automotive company in a long-term contract role, potentially extending for several years.

Key Responsibilities:
The role requires expertise in interior design, focusing on customer satisfaction, cost competitiveness, and functional leadership. The ideal candidate will manage design for manufacture, lead idea generation, and ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of vehicle interior components.
Achieve cost targets (piece price, VT, and cost reduction).
Meet quality targets (NEVQS, warranty).
Ensure project Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are met.
Provide technical solutions for market concerns and development.
Ensure on-time design note release and delivery.

Concept Development:
Create concept sheets and prepare presentations to CVE.
Explain technical changes to cost estimators to set the budget.
Generate design estimations for changes based on benchmarks.

Development:
Provide styling feedback on A-Surface feasibility and technical requirements.
Oversee full part development, managing cost, timing, and delivery to meet specifications.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across regions.
Manage and coordinate with other departments and suppliers to develop efficient, cost-effective solutions.

New Model Sourcing:
Create RFQs (Request for Quotations).
Review supplier concepts for cost and quality.
Analyse quotes and validate supplier submissions to meet project needs.
Present status updates to management and engage directly with supplier technical and commercial teams.

Cost Management for New Models:
Conduct quote and breakdown analysis at major project milestones, generating technical queries and challenges.
Analyse design changes and ensure validation of technical liability.
Generate cost reduction ideas to secure product competitiveness.
Benchmark against internal and competitor references.

Lifecycle Cost Management:
Generate technical cost reduction ideas and benchmark at part and vehicle feature levels.
Manage supplier activity and report internally.
Develop cost reduction design changes with suppliers.

This role includes:
Global design and development at the part/module level.
Supplier management (cost, quality, and timing).
Ensuring compliance with regulation and safety standards.
Managing test validation, part quality/reliability, and market concern analysis.
Ensuring on-time adoption and delivery.
Conducting competitor benchmarking and trend analysis.

Qualifications & Experience:

A qualification in design/engineering.
Previous automotive design and development experience.
Experience with cost breakdown analysis and working in a cross-functional technical/commercial team.
Knowledge of interior cabin parts/modules and manufacturing processes.
Valid driving license and ability to travel globally.
CAD interrogation skills.
Strong time management and communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Hours & Pay:

Monday to Friday, 39 hours per week.
Hourly rate: 27.00 - 29.00.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone experienced in interior trim design and cost management, ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic automotive project.

LMIND