Systems Engineer - Steering Systems

Contract position Outside IR35

Hybrid working

Proven Steering Systems development experience in Automotive, ideally Defence Vehicles.

Our Client, a leading player in the automotive sector, is seeking a Systems Engineer - Steering Systems on a contract basis to contribute to the development, integration, and validation of steering systems across a variety of vehicle engineering projects. These projects include both defence and commercial platforms with powertrains ranging from conventional to electrified systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Contribution

Support the design, development, and integration of steering systems (mechanical and electric power steering).
Develop system requirements, specifications, and performance targets.
Ensure designs comply with applicable standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
Maintain technical integrity and system performance throughout the lifecycle.

Project Execution

Deliver steering system engineering activities from concept through to validation and production support.
Translate requirements into engineering solutions supporting system design and integration.
Identify and mitigate technical risks and issues.
Contribute to engineering calculations, analysis, simulations, test planning and execution.
Prepare technical reports, specifications, and test documentation.
Participate in technical reviews and project meetings.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with internal teams such as chassis and vehicle dynamics, design and packaging, CAE and simulation, test and validation.
Coordinate with suppliers of steering components and systems.
Ensure effective communication across teams for alignment and timely delivery.
Represent steering systems in technical discussions as appropriate.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

Apply structured engineering approaches to resolve design and test issues.
Conduct root cause analysis using methods like 8D and fault tree analysis.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of steering system design and validation processes.

Quality & Compliance

Deliver engineering artefacts including DVP&R, DFMEA, and test plans and reports.
Ensure alignment with relevant regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
Follow engineering processes and change control procedures.

Customer & Delivery Focus

Deliver engineering solutions that meet customer expectations for performance and robustness.
Achieve programme targets for timing, cost, and quality.

Job Requirements:

Technical Expertise

Experience in vehicle systems engineering, specifically steering systems (EPS, mechanical steering).
Strong understanding of steering system fundamentals and geometry, as well as vehicle dynamics principles.
Familiarity with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, GD&T, and engineering drawings.
Knowledge of DVP&R, FMEA, and engineering documentation.
Awareness of the vehicle development lifecycle from concept to production.

Engineering & Delivery Skills

Ability to support the delivery of engineering tasks within project timelines.
Experience in validation and test activities.
Understanding of requirements management and system integration.
Proficiency in data analysis and engineering reporting.

Communication & Collaboration

Clear and effective communicator within engineering teams.
Strong team player with the ability to work across disciplines.
Customer- and delivery-focused mindset.

Preferred Skills & Capabilities

Industry Knowledge

Understanding of steering system types (hydraulic, EPS, steer-by-wire) and their interactions with suspension systems and vehicle dynamics.
Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, or defence vehicle engineering.
Awareness of automotive development standards and processes.

Tools & Methods

Exposure to simulation tools such as ADAMS and other vehicle dynamics tools.
Familiarity with data acquisition and test analysis tools.
Knowledge of DFMEA, 8D, and structured problem-solving approaches.
Use of systems engineering tools (requirements management desirable).

Soft Skills

Proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving.
Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Systems Engineering.
Experience in steering or chassis system development, vehicle testing, requirements management, DVP&R, and engineering documentation.
Experience with commercial or off-highway vehicles is beneficial.

Security Requirements

Willing and able to work on UK defence projects, including roles requiring security clearance (up to and including Secret where applicable)