Principal Engineer – Chassis Systems

Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe.

Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Chassis Systems to join our dynamic Engineering team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.

About the role

Lotus is looking for a Principal Engineer – Chassis Systems to join our Vehicle Engineering team at Hethel.

This is a senior technical and leadership position with responsibility for the definition, development, integration and delivery of chassis and suspension systems across our vehicle programmes.

You will provide technical leadership to Chassis Engineers and work closely with teams across Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Quality, Software, ADAS, Manufacturing, NVH and Homologation to ensure our chassis systems meet Lotus requirements for performance, quality, cost and timing.

Combining strong technical knowledge with practical vehicle development experience, you will play a key role in taking systems from concept and design through validation, issue resolution and production release.

What you'll do

As our Principal Engineer – Chassis Systems, your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development of chassis component and system 3D data, providing technical direction to assigned CAD Design and Release Engineers.

• Lead cross-functional activities with Vehicle Dynamics, Safety, Quality, Software, ADAS, Manufacturing, NVH, Homologation and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure Lotus technical requirements and KPIs are understood and robustly delivered throughout the development process.

• Authorise the technical approval and release of 3D data, 2D drawings and supporting engineering documentation in line with internal and external standards.

• Develop and manage key technical documentation including Engineering Specifications, DFMEAs, DVPs and Design Concept Sheets.

• Lead the resolution of complex hardware and software issues throughout vehicle development.

• Drive development vehicles fitted with prototype hardware and software to evaluate, diagnose and resolve issues and support road release activities.

• Ensure robust design validation through appropriate CAE simulation, rig testing and vehicle-level validation.

• Identify potential failure modes, develop appropriate countermeasures and ensure solutions are successfully verified.

• Drive the timely resolution of development issues through the Lotus Issues Management System (IMS).

• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials through the Lotus PLM system.

• Support Purchasing with the technical assessment, selection and nomination of supplier partners.

• Work with suppliers to ensure components meet technical specification, quality, cost and timing requirements.

• Support the recruitment, development and technical capability of Chassis team members.

• Provide technical leadership to Engineers, lead technical meetings and guide issues through to resolution.

• Travel to other sites when required to support vehicle and project activities.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced automotive Engineer with extensive knowledge of chassis and suspension systems, together with a strong understanding of how these systems influence overall vehicle performance.

You'll ideally bring:

• A degree, or equivalent qualification/experience, in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• Strong technical knowledge of the definition, design and verification of suspension systems.

• In-depth knowledge of structural suspension components, including knuckles, hubs, bearings and control arms.

• Knowledge of compliant mounting systems, vertical motion control and roll control.

• Strong understanding of Vehicle Dynamics and the relationship between suspension systems and vehicle-level attributes.

• Excellent knowledge of complete vehicle systems, ideally within sports cars or high-performance vehicles.

• Experience of suspension electrical and software architectures and their integration within the wider vehicle architecture.

• Experience of technical project management within an automotive or product delivery environment.

• Experience working within OEM product development processes and gateway requirements, from concept through to Start of Production (SoP).

• Experience of virtual and physical verification and validation processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to lead complex technical issues through to resolution.

• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

• Experience with CAD systems, ideally CATIA V5.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and technical stakeholders.

• Previous technical leadership or management experience.

• The ability to make autonomous decisions while working effectively as part of a wider engineering team.

• A structured and methodical approach with excellent attention to detail.

• The ability to remain focused and effective in a fast-paced development environment.

• A self-motivated and adaptable approach with a drive to deliver outstanding results.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• A full UK driving licence.

It would be great if you also have

• Experience using Teamcenter.

• Experience within sports car, performance vehicle or premium automotive engineering.

• Knowledge of emerging chassis and suspension technologies.

• Experience leading and developing engineering teams.

Our culture

At Lotus, we believe in pushing boundaries and creating vehicles that deliver an exceptional driving experience. Our values – Respect, One Team, Ambition and Drive (ROAD) – shape how we work together and how we approach every challenge.

This role is based at our Hethel site in Norfolk, with some travel to other locations and suppliers required depending on project needs.

If you have a passion for chassis engineering, vehicle dynamics and delivering world-class vehicle systems, we'd love to hear from you.

I’ve positioned it as a senior technical leadership role rather than a generic engineering advert, while keeping the suspension, vehicle dynamics, CATIA/PLM and vehicle-development requirements prominent for searchability.

What we offer:

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) to make your commutes smoother! 

• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge-watch your favorite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.

• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non-contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.

• Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.

• Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress-free with premium h