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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed