Exterior Design Engineer

Job Description

ALTEN is seeking an experienced Exterior Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of innovative vehicle exterior systems, with a particular focus on convertible roof mechanisms and associated body systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to premium automotive programmes, working within a fast-paced engineering environment from concept through to production.

• Location: Gaydon
• On Site: Onsite
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Senior

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of convertible roof systems and related exterior components.
• Manage engineering deliverables throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Create and modify detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using Siemens NX.
• Plan and coordinate Design Verification Plan (DVP) activities to ensure design validation requirements are met.
• Conduct and maintain DFMEA documentation, identifying and mitigating product risks.
• Support programme timing, milestones, cost, quality, and technical targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, quality, testing, and suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution and engineering change activities throughout programme delivery.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in Exterior Design Engineering within the automotive sector.
• Strong knowledge of convertible roof systems, mechanisms, and vehicle exterior components.
• Experience developing and executing DVPs (Design Verification Plans).
• Strong understanding and practical application of DFMEA methodologies.
• Demonstrated programme management or project coordination experience.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX CAD software.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering activities within demanding project timescales.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working on premium or luxury automotive programmes.
• Knowledge of APQP, design release processes, and engineering change management.
• Familiarity with vehicle integration, body systems, or closures engineering.
• Understanding of prototype build and validation activities.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.