Automotive Seating) Project Engineer

Location: UK (Hybrid) Pontypool, Wales (on-site as required)
Salary: £50,000 £55,000
Type: Permanent, Full-Time

We are recruiting a Project Engineer on behalf of a successful and growing automotive engineering SME. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of engineering programmes delivering vehicle seating systems, with a particular focus on seat structures and mechanisms.

The position is suited to an engineer with strong technical credibility who enjoys leading programmes end-to-end from concept and design through prototype builds, validation, and production launch while coordinating suppliers and internal stakeholders.

As Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the delivery of assigned engineering programmes, ensuring products are delivered on time, to cost, and to the required quality standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ownership and delivery of engineering programmes from concept through to production

• Definition and management of programme plans, milestones, deliverables, and gates

• Translation of requirements into clear engineering work packages

• Technical leadership and challenge of design decisions based on risk, cost, timing, and manufacturability

• Coordination of suppliers, including technical engagement, RFQs, delivery tracking, and issue resolution

• Planning and execution of prototype builds and development phases

• Coordination of testing activities and implementation of engineering feedback

• Management of programme risks, engineering changes, and decision logs

• Clear communication of progress, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders

We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused engineer with experience managing engineering programmes in an automotive or closely related environment.

Essential experience:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a mechanical / automotive / manufacturing engineering role

• Proven experience delivering engineering products or systems from concept through to production

• Experience working with suppliers and external technical partners

• Strong planning, organisation, and stakeholder management skills

• Confidence driving decisions and maintaining programme momentum

• Automotive seating experience, particularly seat structures or mechanisms (not trim-focused)

Desirable experience:

• Experience with prototype builds, validation testing, and iterative development

• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP / PPAP processes

• Experience using CATIA V5

• Strong commercial awareness (cost targets, lead times, trade-offs)

• Hybrid working model: majority work-from-home

• On-site presence in Pontypool, Wales required on an as needed basis (travel and hotel costs covered)

• Relocation support available for candidates looking to move closer to site

• High-visibility role with genuine ownership and responsibility

• Growing business with strong financial performance and ambitious expansion plans

• Collaborative engineering environment with direct access to senior leadership