Automotive Lead Engineer – Exterior Systems

Automotive Lead Engineer – Exterior Systems Location: Crewe, United Kingdom Work Model: Full-time, fully on-site Expected Start: Q4 2026 Initial Contract Duration: 3 years, with possible extension Language: English – C1 level or higher Travel: Occasional business travel may be required About the Role HIto Solutions is looking for experienced Automotive Lead Engineers specialising in Exterior Systems, Body Hardware, Seals and Sealing to support a long-term automotive engineering programme in Crewe. The successful candidate will take ownership of an assigned technical perimeter and coordinate supporting engineering resources, with a strong focus on Current Model Production, series-production issue resolution and engineering change implementation . Key Responsibilities Take responsibility for the assigned technical perimeter and coordinate supporting engineering resources. Manage Current Model Production issues from root-cause agreement through to final implementation. Develop technically feasible containment and permanent series-production solutions. Coordinate engineering changes, design feasibility, validation and release activities. Prepare and manage complete 2D drawings and 3D CAD information. Identify packaging constraints, interface impacts, technical hard points and additional analysis requirements. Define test and validation plans for engineering changes and customer-protection measures. Review Design and Process FMEAs and identify additional testing requirements. Coordinate prototype builds, physical models, component testing and vehicle line trials. Ensure technical solutions meet applicable legislative, quality, safety and homologation requirements. Manage formal engineering releases and product-data and Bill of Material updates. Coordinate activities with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics, Finance, Certification and suppliers. Lead weekly technical meetings and provide regular status and timing updates. Present issue-resolution proposals and engineering changes to cross-functional stakeholders. Maintain timing plans, open-point lists, tracking lists and cost status. Obtain preliminary cost, investment and implementation timing from suppliers. Support issue escalation and present complex technical solutions to senior management when required. Technical Scope Specific experience should include: Exterior trim and body hardware Seals and sealing management Interfaces with Body-in-White and interior trim Design feasibility and manufacturing implementation Water management and sealing performance Validation of exterior components and production-line trials Requirements Minimum 4–5 years of relevant automotive engineering experience . Strong technical knowledge of exterior systems, body hardware, seals and sealing. Proven experience in Current Model Production and series-production issue resolution. Experience with engineering change management, containment, validation and release processes. Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external suppliers. Strong project-management, communication and reporting skills. Knowledge of CATIA/LCA and relevant automotive PDM, BoM and change-management systems. Fluent English at C1 level or higher . Desirable Previous experience working on Bentley projects or within the Bentley organisation would be considered a significant advantage. Knowledge of systems such as Teamcenter, KVS, AVON, KPM, TI-REX/TI-Syncro, BCTS/JIRA or equivalent automotive OEM systems would be particularly relevant. Working Conditions The position is fully on-site in Crewe. Candidates must already reside in the UK and be available for full-time on-site work.