About this role
As an Automotive Accessory Design Engineer, you will join our engineering team in Cranfield to support product development activities within the automotive sector.
You will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of vehicle accessory components, working closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, styling, manufacturing, and suppliers. The role involves developing production-ready designs, supporting prototype builds, and ensuring accessories meet technical, quality, and regulatory requirements within the automotive product development lifecycle.
Location: CranfieldOn Site: YesClearance: NoneExperience Level: Mid - LevelKey Responsibilities:
Design and develop automotive accessory components such as interior trims, exterior add-ons, mounting systems, lifestyle accessories, and functional vehicle enhancementsCreate detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentationSupport the development of accessories from concept through to production within the automotive product lifecycleWork closely with styling, manufacturing, and supplier teams to ensure designs are feasible and manufacturableConduct design reviews, prototype evaluations, and validation activitiesEnsure design compliance with automotive standards, safety requirements, and durability targetsSupport cost optimisation, materials selection, and manufacturing process selectionMaintain design documentation, engineering change records, and technical reports Required Skills:
Strong experience in automotive product design and developmentProven ability to create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using tools such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Siemens NXGood understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly methodsExperience working within a structured product development lifecycleAbility to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and supplier teamsStrong problem-solving skills and ability to analyse and improve design solutionsRequired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.Desirable Skills:
Experience designing aftermarket automotive accessoriesKnowledge of plastic injection moulding, sheet metal, and composite materialsExperience supporting prototype builds, validation testing, or durability testingFamiliarity with DFMEA, GD&T, and automotive design standardsPrevious experience in automotive, motorsport, mobility, or other advanced engineering industries Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style A huge diversity of engineering projects and industriesPrivate Medical InsuranceCycle & Tech Scheme Employee assistance programmeLife insurance & Pension SchemeSocial atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildingsFlexible way of working (role dependent)We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.