Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer

Job summary

Do you want to help shape the future of automotive propulsion technologies in the UK and internationally?

Have you got the skills to deliver test programmes to determine vehicle compliance with environmental standards?

Are you passionate about improving global environmental protection standards?

Would you like to make a real difference and help create a safer, cleaner future?

If you're looking for an opportunity to drive meaningful change, develop your career, and make a real impact within a collaborative and supportive organisation, this could be the role for you.

To learn more about the Vehicle Certification Agency and this exciting opportunity to join our Propulsion Technologies Group, please see the attached Candidate Pack and Role Profile.

Our work is focused on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to national and internationally recognised standards. We are a part of the Department of Transport as the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority. With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around. This position has been built on a reputation for technical expertise and quality, which is at the heart of everything we do, and what you could be a part of.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Job description

The role of the Propulsion Technologies Principal Engineer spans two main workstreams: the delivery of vehicle emissions testing programmes; and leading the regulatory support offered by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) for environmental type-approval subjects, such as electric range testing, tailpipe emissions, and vehicle noise.

The role will help you to continue to develop a thorough understanding of vehicle propulsion technologies, from battery-electric vehicles to hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines, and how these fit into the current and future landscape of national and international environmental vehicle standards. The training and experiences gained will give you the skills needed to independently offer support and advice to engineers and vehicle manufacturers based all around the world.

As a key knowledge holder, you will work alongside policy leads at the Department for Transport (DfT) in United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) meetings, and have input into domestic environmental legislation in Great Britain.

A typical day can range from providing critical technical interpretations to manufacturers on a specific piece of legislation, to overseeing laboratory-based emissions testing and ensuring tests are completed correctly to specification.

The role comes with an expectation to require regular travel within the UK, up to several times per month, and occasionally overseas depending on business needs.

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Lead Market Surveillance and In-Service Conformity annual testing programmes for emissions, including forecasting and budgeting, project management, test data analysis and reporting;
• Active participation in regulatory forums, such as in the UNECE, to support the VCA’s and Department for Transport’s policy objectives in the delivery of new or updated regulations such as Euro 7;
• Lead the development and delivery of environmental training and legislative interpretations to internal and external audiences;
• Oversee the delivery of technical checks on applications for GB type-approval and zero emission vehicle grants;
• Line management responsibilities in the Propulsion Technologies Group.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Strong technical background with significant experience in automotive propulsion systems and associated regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of government policy relating to automotive propulsion systems.
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties.
• Experience of operating within quality management systems, for example ISO9001.
• Excellent evidence-based strategic decision-making abilities.

For more information, please read the role profile.

Additional Information

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have questions regarding how hybrid working is practiced within the business area, or any reasonable adjustments or flexible working arrangements you may currently have or need in place if successful in your application, please contact the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

Travel

Travel to other offices and locations to attend meetings/testing may be required, which may also involve overnight stays.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying.

Licences

A full UK Category B Driving Licence is essential

Qualifications

Qualification in an engineering or technical discipline equivalent to Bachelor's degree, including Honours and Foundation degree and Diplomas of Higher Education. NQF level 5 and 6, or equivalent experience

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical skills

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