Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer

Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer
Location: Crewe (Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week)
Contract Duration: Until 31st January 2026 (Potential to extend)
Hours: 35 per week
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Travel: Frequent UK and international travel required
Driving Licence: Full UK licence required

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer to support the coordination and execution of dynamic and static vehicle testing activities across multiple platforms. Operating within a fast-paced automotive engineering environment, you will play a key role in structured vehicle validation events, ensuring systems are tested thoroughly and faults are resolved effectively.

As a Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer, you will be responsible for vehicle readiness, structured assessment execution, and issue validation throughout pre-production and development cycles. The role requires a proactive mindset, excellent driving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with engineering, diagnostics, and quality teams to deliver reliable results and product improvements.

This opportunity suits a hands-on, delivery-focused Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer with a passion for system testing, real-world problem solving, and cross-functional teamwork.

Key Responsibilities of the Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer:

• Plan and coordinate whole-vehicle validation events from preparation to execution, including route planning and vehicle logistics.
• Create detailed drive plans and itineraries to ensure coverage of relevant use cases and systems during test events.
• Conduct in-event testing and structured assessments, including driving lead and convoy vehicles to identify real-world issues.
• Record, categorise, and report vehicle faults, and work with engineering teams to track and validate resolutions.
• Provide clear documentation and technical feedback post-event to drive continuous improvement across validation activities.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Experience in vehicle system testing, validation, or verification engineering.
• Strong background in executing both dynamic and static vehicle tests with exposure to proving grounds and structured road routes.
• Confident driving ability with experience handling various vehicle types and test scenarios.
• Strong issue identification and root-cause analysis skills with the ability to define and communicate customer-relevant concerns.
• Effective communicator with experience delivering test reports and technical feedback to stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments such as engineering, diagnostics, calibration, and quality.
• Ability to react quickly to emerging issues during test events and support resolution in real time.

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge of key vehicle systems including at least one of: powertrain, chassis, ADAS, infotainment.
• Familiarity with diagnostic and test tools (e.g., Vector CAN tools, data loggers, basic vehicle fault diagnostics).
• Experience using itinerary planning and scheduling tools such as Excel, JIRA, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of automotive validation frameworks and structured sign-off processes.
• Awareness of engineering development lifecycles and the science behind real-world vehicle operation and performance testing.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Automotive, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering – or equivalent hands-on experience in vehicle validation/testing.
• Full UK (or equivalent) driving licence.
• Advanced or track driving certifications desirable (e.g., IAM, RoSPA).

This contract presents a high-impact opportunity for a capable and motivated Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer to take ownership of critical test events and help drive the delivery of high-performance, high-quality vehicles. If you thrive in test environments and bring a structured yet flexible approach to validation, we encourage you to apply.