Prototype Build Engineer

Senior Prototype Build Engineer
Surrey | Rolling Contract

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Prototype Build Engineer to lead the delivery of prototype and rolling chassis assets through the physical build phase. This role is responsible for ensuring vehicles are assembled safely, efficiently, and to the required specification, quality, and programme timing.

Acting as the engineering lead within the prototype workshop, you will combine technical leadership, build execution, and project coordination to deliver development vehicles that support validation and engineering activities across cutting-edge automotive programmes.

This is a hands-on role requiring a strong workshop presence, providing direct support to technicians, driving issue resolution, coordinating engineering changes, and ensuring robust build standards throughout all prototype build phases.

 Key Responsibilities

 Prototype Build Delivery
* Lead the assembly, commissioning, and sign-off of prototype vehicles and rolling chassis.
* Manage vehicle delivery from build initiation through to workshop completion and handover.
* Develop and maintain detailed build plans aligned to programme milestones.
* Coordinate workshop activities to ensure delivery targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
* Manage build resources including technicians, specialist support functions, and facilities.
* Conduct build reviews and prioritisation activities to maintain programme timing.

Workshop Leadership
* Provide technical leadership and day-to-day direction to prototype build technicians.
* Support complex assembly activities and resolve engineering concerns.
* Ensure adherence to build standards, specifications, and safe systems of work.
* Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
* Lead recovery actions when timing, quality, or specification targets are at risk.

Engineering Integration & Issue Resolution
* Act as the primary engineering interface within the prototype workshop.
* Collaborate with design and engineering teams to resolve build issues and improve vehicle maturity.
* Lead investigation and closure of vehicle build concerns.
* Manage engineering changes and specification deviations with appropriate controls.
* Support design reviews, build reviews, and cross-functional engineering activities.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
* Develop and improve prototype build processes, assembly methods, and workshop procedures.
* Create and maintain build documentation and traceability systems.
* Capture lessons learned to enhance future vehicle programmes.
* Support virtual build assessments and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
* Drive improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, ergonomics, and repeatability.

Parts, Logistics & Material Management
* Work closely with logistics and procurement teams to ensure material availability.
* Monitor critical parts and escalate shortages impacting build completion.
* Support robust parts traceability and inventory management processes.
* Coordinate prototype parts allocation and vehicle configuration management.

Vehicle Commissioning & Handover
* Ensure vehicles are commissioned, validated, and prepared for engineering use.
* Lead audit activities to confirm build quality and specification compliance.
* Manage build documentation, configuration records, and engineering databases.
* Support vehicle sign-off and handover activities.

Programme Delivery
* Support programme timing, resource planning, and budget activities.
* Provide regular build status updates and risk assessments.
* Support cost control and programme planning from concept to vehicle delivery.

 Health, Safety & Culture
* Champion safe working practices within the workshop environment.
* Ensure compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures.
* Promote a positive culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
* Maintain high professional and housekeeping standards.

Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will possess:

* Extensive experience in prototype, low-volume, or high-performance vehicle builds.
* Strong understanding of vehicle assembly, manufacturing engineering, and workshop operations.
* Experience leading technicians and coordinating cross-functional teams.
* Excellent problem-solving and issue resolution skills.
* Knowledge of engineering change management and configuration control.
* Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
* Experience working within automotive development or prototype environments.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge vehicle programmes in a fast-paced engineering environment, contributing to the development of next-generation automotive technologies while leading high-profile prototype build activities.