Prototype Build Engineer

Prototype Build Engineer

Location: WokingContract: Initial contract 8 monthsInside IR35

What to Expect

Pushing the boundaries of vehicle design and technology requires robust validation and advanced representation within early prototype vehicles. This engineering role is fundamental to the early success of vehicle programmes, ensuring the delivery of prototype builds to an agreed cost, quality, and timeline.

The successful candidate will collaborate with design engineering and the wider vehicle development team to define and publish vehicle functional requirements. They will oversee and execute the end-to-end prototype build process, from procurement through to vehicle audit and customer handover. Build phases include all pre-VP activity.

Role of the Prototype Build Engineer:

• Manage prototype vehicle builds in line with defined high-level plans.
• Deliver agreed vehicle specifications to support development and validation activities.
• Monitor, track, and report on build costs.
• Provide regular progress and status reports to senior engineering staff.
• Work within established business processes, resolving engineering issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Manage engineering change control, ensuring any deviations from functional requirements are documented and approved.
• Liaise with procurement teams to ensure timely delivery of parts.
• Identify and report build issues, ensuring timely resolution.
• Oversee build documentation for customer handover, including vehicle data uploads to online systems.
• Lead commissioning, dynamic sign-off, and handover of prototype builds.
• Promote and maintain a high standard of workplace organisation, professionalism, and safety.
• Support the engineering team in achieving overall team objectives.

Experience of the Prototype Build Engineer:

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, or Automotive Engineering with a strong grasp of engineering theory.
• Experience in development programme delivery, ideally in low-volume, high-performance vehicle programmes.
• Proficiency in CAD-based systems for virtual build analysis, preferably CATIA.
• Knowledge of vehicle and rig data acquisition, test, and analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of vehicle fundamentals.
• Experience in an automotive test and development environment is desirable.
• Exposure to hybrid/electric drive engineering would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with build management tools and methodologies.

To show your interest in this role, please Apply Now with a copy of your CV. If successfully shortlisted, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the role in more detail. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.