System Owner - Vehicle Sub-System

Contract position Outside IR35

Hybrid working

Our client, a leader in the automotive industry, is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced System Owner for Vehicle Sub-Systems on a contract basis. This role is pivotal in leading the design, development, and delivery of assigned systems and sub-systems, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, regulatory, and certification requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

Act as the system/sub-system lead for assigned projects, ensuring technical integrity and compliance.
Interpret and apply technical, safety, regulatory, and certification requirements across the system lifecycle.
Support requirements decomposition and validation to ensure complete traceability from customer needs to system-level deliverables.

Project Execution

Manage and coordinate a cross-functional team of engineers through the full product development lifecycle.
Coordinate with suppliers and external partners contributing to development.
Lead the definition and execution of Design Verification Plans (DVPs).
Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
Track progress of DVP execution, managing risks, issues, and corrective actions.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all engineering deliverables meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Manage certification evidence and ensure compliance documentation is complete and auditable.
Support hazard analysis, FMEA, and safety case development.
Manage and coordinate the change management of design aspects within your assigned system or sub-system.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with system and sub-system teams to ensure overall system performance is optimised.
Represent your system or sub-system in technical reviews, audits, and program updates.
Work with quality and safety teams to align engineering activities with compliance needs.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

Identify and resolve issues during design validation and test execution.
Apply structured problem-solving methods (DOE, 8D, root cause analysis).
Promote continuous improvement in system design, development, and delivery processes.

Documentation & Reporting

Develop and maintain documentation for assigned systems or sub-systems, including requirements, DVPs, and certification evidence.
Prepare reports and presentations summarising risks, issues, validation status, and compliance outcomes.
Communicate results and recommendations clearly to stakeholders and leadership.

Job Requirements:

Technical Expertise

Complex system design, development, and delivery experience.
Deep expertise in one or more technical engineering disciplines such as mechanical design, controls, calibration, analysis.
Proven ability to manage requirements, interfaces, and validation at the system level.
Understanding of regulatory frameworks, standards, and certification processes.
Hands-on experience writing and executing test plans and procedures.
Experience in planning, managing, and tracking DVP activities.
Proficiency in structured problem-solving methods (e.g., DOE, 8D, root cause analysis).

Project Leadership

Experience in cross-functional team leadership.
Validation coordination experience leading cross-functional activities and managing test schedules.
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks proactively.
Competence in ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Preferred Skills & Capabilities:

Familiarity with requirements management and systems engineering tools.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance audits and safety case development.
Background in prototype and production test execution.
Exposure to different development methodologies, including classical systems engineering, agile or lean systems engineering practices.
If you are a seasoned System Owner with expertise in vehicle sub-systems looking for a new contract opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's innovative team in the automotive sector
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed