Materials and Chemistry Principal Engineer
Elmdon, Birmingham

Main Purpose of the Job:

  • Support the business with deep understanding of Material Constructions and Performance in the Automotive Sector
  • Aid the business by developing New Materials as part of the R&D process and future technology development and protect via IP application
  • Support Manufacturing Sites with technical support and knowledge to resolve Production and/or Quality Issues
  • Lead Material & process benchmark and market analysis


Main objectives and results:

  • Select the best combination of materials for automotive applications relevant to Interior Systems
  • Test materials (Virtually and Physically to assess how they perform and meet Engineering Specifications and correlate between the two.
  • Understand key material constructions and assess how these impact Automotive Applications and Processes (Moulding, Lamination, Adhesion, Odour, Flammability, Chemical and Heat Resistance etc)
  • Support the business strategy with Material Developments that meet or exceed corporate Sustainability Targets
  • Work with Operational Facilities to ensure New and Existing Materials are processed in line with Operational Performance Requirements (Cycle Time, OEE, Scrap, HSE etc)
  • Advise on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and materials
  • Work to solve problems arising during the manufacturing process or with the finished product
  • Develop and maintain a Material Selection Matrix and ensure that New Business Enquiries follow an approval process prior to quotation
  • Ensure that products comply with National and International Legal and Quality Standards and future Legislative Changes are managed through the business

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Candidates will be certified to Degree level in an Engineering discipline.
  • Previous experience of working within a mass production, automotive manufacturing environment.
  • Experience of automotive interior commodities, typical primary and secondary processes.
  • Application of GD&T to BS8888 standard, Measurement and Gauging, Dimensional Management, and the use of statistics in the control of manufacturing.
  • Use of Vis VSA or equivalent dimensional software.
  • The ability to work as an individual or as part of a team.
  • Managerial, technical & administrative skills required - Should be fully conversant with automotive quality tools and systems; these should include TS16949, QS9000, ISO14001, supported by excellent organisational and communicational skills.