About this role
We are looking for a Principal Engineer – Powertrain to lead the Powertrain function across Gordon Murray Automotive programmes, delivering the design, development, calibration and global regulatory certification of ultra-low-volume, cutting-edge automotive powertrain systems. The role has overall technical accountability for the Powertrain function, providing leadership across powertrain engineering, programme delivery, regulatory compliance, supplier management and R&D activities. You will lead and develop the engineering team while ensuring powertrain systems meet programme objectives, quality standards and applicable niche-market regulatory requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of advanced powertrain systems for ultra-low-volume vehicles, with production volumes of up to 100 units per year. You will provide strategic and technical leadership across the Powertrain function, working closely with programme teams, multidisciplinary engineering functions, suppliers and regulatory bodies to deliver complete powertrain systems from concept through to production. This is your chance to: Lead the Powertrain engineering team in the design and development of all powertrain components and systems. Provide technical leadership across base engine design and integration, EMS hardware and calibration, cooling, lubrication, clutch and hydraulic systems, gearbox, final drive, gearshift, reservoirs and associated pipework. Lead the Powertrain function across programmes, ensuring delivery of BoM structure, mass, design and release timing, technical specifications, DFMEA, DVP inputs and ETRS. Establish and lead the strategy for global powertrain certification using EPA/CARB Small Volume Manufacturer exemptions and EU Small Series Type Approval frameworks. Oversee EMS and OBD-II development and integration to meet applicable CARB, EPA, EU and UK requirements. Direct the engineering of fuel, evaporative and exhaust aftertreatment systems to meet applicable emissions requirements, including CARB evaporative test procedures and Euro 7+ standards. Act as the primary technical point of contact with external technical services and regulatory bodies during physical witness testing and validation phases. Operate autonomously within the Powertrain function and provide strategic direction to programmes and the wider business on Powertrain matters. Define and cascade vehicle and system requirements, ensuring appropriate assembly and component requirements are established by the engineering team. Lead feasibility studies and risk assessments to support engineering decisions and mitigate potential issues. Work with suppliers on design-for-manufacture studies to ensure components achieve programme requirements. Direct the function in carrying out risk assessments and FMEA from the earliest stages of design. Lead the creation of DVP requirements to ensure the durability, reliability and functionality of Powertrain components. Liaise with development teams to ensure appropriate testing and validation activities are completed. Take overall responsibility for project delivery within the Powertrain function and associated R&D activities. Manage and balance Powertrain resources, including justification for additional permanent and contract resource where required by programmes. Create and maintain working-level plans aligned with programme timing requirements. Work closely with design/styling, attributes, quality, development, purchasing and manufacturing to ensure effective integration of Powertrain systems. Manage strong commercial and technical relationships with suppliers and partners to secure black-box and grey-box delivery despite niche production volumes. Develop longer-term strategic relationships with appropriate suppliers and partners. Drive continuous improvement across Powertrain design processes, methodologies and tools. Empower the Powertrain team to take ownership and make decisions within programme boundaries, while ensuring issues, successes and proposed solutions are clearly communicated. Promote a culture of responsibility, accountability, collaboration and technical excellence across the Powertrain function.