Principal Engineer

Job description

Principal Engineer – Testing

Bedfordshire

Permanent | Onsite | 37 hours a week: 08:00-16:00 (some flexibility)

Up to £60,000 (DOE) + bonus

A globally renowned and recognised automotive testing and engineering organisation is searching for a Principal Engineer to lead operations within their specialist Passive Safety division. Based at their expansive proving ground in Bedfordshire, you will manage the performance and growth of a highly advanced servo‑sled facility used by major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategy, lead a skilled team, and play a key role in future capability development. You will be joining a business with a strong reputation for employee wellbeing, offering generous holiday entitlements, healthcare cashback plans, contributory pension schemes, life cover, enhanced family‑friendly policies, access to a wide range of discounts via their employee rewards platform, and regular recognition for innovation, integrity and expertise!

Your Day-To-Day:

• Ensure full Health & Safety compliance, including risk assessments and safety observation tours
• Manage and develop a small team of engineers and technicians
• Oversee work scheduling, operational planning, and resource allocation
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using established tools and processes
• Manage financial processes: invoicing, PO approvals, and forecasting
• Support maintenance of ISO17025, ISO9001 and other relevant accreditations
• Create and manage training and development plans for team members
• Oversee sled equipment utilisation, troubleshooting, and performance analysis
• Maintain and enhance sled testing procedures and documentation

What You Will Need:

• Engineering degree (automotive preferred)
• 5+ years’ passive safety testing to global standards
• Proven experience managing a small engineering team
• Hands‑on sled testing expertise and exposure to Systems/Static Rig testing
• Experience with CMM tools (e.g., FARO Arm)
• High‑speed / GoPro / DSLR camera setup experience
• Strong data acquisition, processing and analysis capability
• Solid understanding of global passive safety regulations, injury criteria and ATD instrumentation

To apply, please submit a copy of your up-to-date CV indicating your relevant experience. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK, and evidence of eligibility will be required. Suitable candidates will be contacted immediately.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Bedford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English