Powertrain Systems Engineer (Senior/Principal)
Location: Woodford Halse
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Head of Powertrain
Hours of Work: 08:00-17:00 Monday – Friday inclusive (with 45 minutes for lunch break at 13:00)
About Us
Singer is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation; we are passionate about creating some of the most awesome automobiles in the world. Founded in California in 2009, Singer Vehicle Design is a luxury brand with a global clientele and operations in the US, the UK, and Switzerland. Our mission is described simply as: "A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.”
We are proud to foster a collaborative and supportive environment where people can thrive. As we grow, we're looking for an experienced Powertrain Systems Engineer to join our team and support our “Everything Is Important” culture.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Powertrain, this role will be accountable to the VP of Engineering. The Senior/Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer will play a key technical role in the development of advanced automotive propulsion systems. This position focuses on one or more off internal combustion engines, gearboxes, cooling systems, lubrication systems, and exhaust systems, ensuring that all systems meet performance, efficiency, durability, emissions, and regulatory targets. The role involves leading system architecture, integration, testing, and issue resolution within a fast paced automotive development environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. System Architecture & Vehicle Integration
- Develop and optimise system level architectures for one or more off ICE, gearbox, thermal management, lubrication, and exhaust systems within automotive vehicle platforms.
- Define system interfaces, vehicle packaging constraints, and integration requirements with chassis, electrical, and body teams.
- Conduct trade off studies considering weight, cost, emissions compliance, and vehicle performance targets.
- Guide engineering decisions ensuring alignment with brand performance characteristics and customer expectations.
2. Requirements Engineering
- Define and manage system and subsystem requirements in line with automotive standards.
- Produce specifications covering performance, durability, emissions, drivability, NVH, and thermal behaviour.
- Support requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
3. Analysis, Simulation & Design Support
- Use or review 1D/3D models for combustion performance, gas flow, heat rejection, lubrication behaviour, gearbox losses, and exhaust aftertreatment efficiency.
- Interpret simulation outputs to influence design choices and validate performance robustness.
- Collaborate with CAE teams to ensure accurate boundary conditions and vehicle relevant load cases.
4. Testing & Validation
- Define and execute DVPs for powertrain systems at component, system, and vehicle levels.
- Support engine dyno tests, gearbox rigs, thermal rigs, emissions testing, and full vehicle durability programmes.
- Lead root cause analysis for complex issues such as overheating, lubrication failures, emissions exceedances, NVH concerns, or driveline performance deviations.
5. System Delivery & Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work with component owners, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet functional, quality, and cost targets.
- Conduct design reviews covering materials selection, tribological considerations, thermal limits, tolerancing, and manufacturability.
- Support build phases, prototype vehicle assembly, and alignment with production intent designs.
6. Compliance, Documentation & Standards
- Ensure systems comply with automotive safety standards, emissions legislation, noise regulations, and OEM process requirements.
- Create DFMEAs, boundary diagrams, test reports, calibration summaries, and release documentation.
- Contribute to safety analyses such as hazard assessments or functional safety activities for relevant systems.
Required Skills & Experience
- Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Powertrain Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Extensive experience in automotive ICE and powertrain development.
- Strong knowledge of combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, lubrication, and tribology.
- Solid understanding of automotive emissions systems and regulatory requirements.
- Experience with simulation tools (e.g., GT Power, AMESim, CFD, MATLAB/Simulink).
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of automotive development processes (APQP, ISO 26262 basics).
- Experience working with global supplier networks.
- Familiarity with high performance or high efficiency engine technologies.
Soft Skills
- Strong technical leadership and ability to mentor junior engineers.
- Clear communication of complex technical topics to stakeholders.
- Structured problem solving mindset with a proactive approach.
- Ability to work in cross functional, global automotive development environments.
Benefits:
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
- Private medical insurance
- On-site parking
- Free refreshments
- Company pension
- Company events
What we’re looking for:
You will be a strong team player with excellent communication skills, a can-do attitude, be confident to work independently with guidance. Resilience, an acceptance of change management with the willing to self-develop with any future training and development needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to building a team that includes individuals from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, reflecting the diversity of the communities where we work and live.
The closing date for all applications is 20 August 2026. Singer Body & Paint reserves the right to interview exceptional candidates and make an offer of employment before the closing date should we wish.
To find out more about Singer Vehicle Design, take a look at our website: http://singervehicledesign.com
