Principal Engineer Suspension

Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe.

Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Suspension to join our dynamic Engineering team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.

The role

We’re looking for a Principal Engineer – Suspension to take technical ownership of the design and delivery of world-class suspension systems for Lotus vehicles.

Reporting to the Chassis Chief Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the quality, cost, function and timing of suspension systems throughout the full product development lifecycle. You’ll lead the suspension team from a technical perspective, working with a high degree of autonomy while ensuring vehicle and system-level targets are delivered.

This is a senior engineering role with significant cross-functional responsibility, combining technical leadership, project delivery, supplier collaboration, vehicle development and team management.

What you’ll be doing

• Take technical ownership of assigned suspension systems and components from concept through to production.

• Lead the suspension engineering team and ensure delivery against quality, cost, function and timing targets.

• Define system-level targets, specifications, standards, guidelines and engineering procedures.

• Track technical progress against programme timing plans and gateway milestones, identifying and driving corrective actions where required.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with teams including Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Quality, Software, ADAS, Manufacturing, NVH and Homologation.

• Lead the development of component and system 3D data alongside CAD design engineers.

• Authorise the technical approval and release of 3D data, 2D drawings and supporting engineering documentation.

• Develop and manage technical documentation including Engineering Specifications, DFMEAs, DVPs and Design Concept Sheets.

• Ensure robust validation through CAE simulation, rig testing and vehicle-level validation.

• Identify failure modes, define countermeasures and drive issues through to resolution.

• Support vehicle testing and development, including evaluating and debugging hardware and software.

• Work with Purchasing to support supplier selection and nomination.

• Maintain Bills of Material using Lotus PLM systems.

• Recruit, develop and support team members to maximise capability and performance.

• Travel to other sites as required to support programme delivery.

What we’re looking for

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• A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong technical knowledge of suspension system definition, design and verification, including structural suspension components, compliant mounting systems, vertical motion control and roll control.

• Strong understanding of Vehicle Dynamics and the relationship between suspension systems and vehicle-level attributes.

• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to suspension engineering.

• Experience of suspension electrical and software architectures and their integration into vehicle architecture.

• Technical project management experience within automotive engineering or another product-delivery environment.

• Experience working with OEM product development processes and gateway requirements from concept through to Start of Production.

• Experience with virtual and physical verification processes.

• Experience using PLM systems and CAD, including CATIA V5.

• Experience using Teamcenter.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• A well-organised and methodical approach with excellent attention to detail.

• Confidence making autonomous technical decisions.

• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• A self-motivated, results-focused approach and the ability to remain effective under pressure.

• Management experience.

• A full UK driving licence.

Our leadership behaviours

You’ll be expected to demonstrate the Lotus ROAD behaviours:

Respect. One Team. Ambition. Drive.

If you’re an experienced suspension engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and programme delivery capability, we’d love to hear from you.

The source specifically calls out technical ownership across the full lifecycle, cross-functional leadership, validation, supplier support and team development. The essential technical and behavioural requirements are drawn from the person profile on page 3.

What we offer:

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) to make your commutes smoother! 

• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge-watch your favorite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.

• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non-contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.

• Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.

• Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress-free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.

• We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.

Additional Information:

• This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy

Our Company:

Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya.  

As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. 

Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.

We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.

Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus Cars Limited? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: https://lotusukmanufacturing.teamtailor.com/