Senior Engineer - Transmission Systems

We are looking for a Senior Engineer - Transmission Systems to lead the engineering, development and delivery of high-performance transmission components and systems across Gordon Murray Automotive programmes.

Working across internal engineering teams and external suppliers and partners, you will provide technical leadership throughout the product development lifecycle, from defining requirements and concept development through to validation, certification and production release.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on bespoke, low-volume, high-performance vehicles, delivering lightweight, driver-focused transmission systems to the highest standards of performance, safety, durability, reliability and quality.

The Role:

You will be responsible for the engineering and programme delivery of transmission assemblies and systems, working closely with design, attributes, quality, development, purchasing, manufacturing and supplier teams.

This is your chance to:

• Lead the engineering, design and development of lightweight manual transmission systems.
• Own the development of manual gearboxes, including mechanical limited-slip differentials, synchronisers and gating geometry.
• Lead the development of H-pattern tactile gearshift mechanisms and associated ergonomics.
• Develop high-performance clutch systems, including carbon ceramic and advanced composite multi-plate assemblies.
• Support the design and development of high-clamping hydraulic actuation systems and lightweight driveshafts.
• Define system and component requirements, technical specifications and attribute summaries.
• Manage BoM structure, mass, design maturity and engineering release timing.
• Lead feasibility studies, design reviews and technical risk assessments.
• Carry out DFMEA from the earliest conceptual stages of design and use the outputs to develop DVP requirements.
• Work closely with suppliers on design-for-manufacture and delivery of black-box and grey-box systems.
• Ensure components and systems meet performance, mass, certification, compliance, aesthetics and sustainability requirements.
• Create and maintain working-level engineering plans aligned with programme timing.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Present programme metrics, KPIs, risks and technical updates to the Principal Engineer / Function Group Lead and programme management.
• Lead continuous improvement of transmission design processes, methodologies, tools and standards.
• Review current design processes and establish appropriate design and drawing standards for transmission components.
• Support the strategic development of component R&D and application for future programmes.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You'll be a technically strong transmission engineer with experience delivering high-performance transmission systems, ideally within a low-volume, bespoke or specialist automotive environment.

• 5-10 years' experience in the design and engineering of high-performance transmission systems.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• Proven experience as a Senior Engineer, with a track record of leading design and project engineering activities.
• Experience within low-volume or bespoke high-performance vehicles.
• In-depth knowledge of high-performance manual gearbox design.
• Strong understanding of mechanical limited-slip differentials, synchronisers and H-pattern shift mechanisms.
• Experience with clutch systems, including multi-plate and advanced friction materials.
• Knowledge of hydraulic system sizing and high-clamping-pressure actuation.
• Understanding of carbon composite friction dynamics, thermal dissipation and wear mechanics.
• Experience with engineering design, structural optimisation and topology optimisation.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD/CAE and multi-body simulation software.
• Experience with BoM management, DFMEA, DVP and engineering release.
• Experience working with suppliers on design-for-manufacture and component development.
• Knowledge of global powertrain compliance requirements, including FMVSS, EPA, CARB and European Small Series approval processes.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised, persuasive, resourceful and self-directing, with the confidence to challenge existing processes.
• A creative thinker with a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering.
• A strong team player.

Managerial & Team Leadership Responsibilities

You'll provide technical leadership within the engineering team, supporting people development while ensuring clear ownership and accountability across the programme.

• Provide technical support, coaching and mentoring to team members.
• Manage day-to-day team activities and delegate workloads effectively.
• Plan and evaluate team activities against programme requirements.
• Support the Principal Engineer / Function Group Lead with resource requirements and justification.
• Establish strong relationships across engineering, SQE, purchasing and external partners.
• Lead by example and promote a culture of responsibility and accountability.
• Manage conflict, resolve incidents and support effective problem solving.
• Communicate programme goals, technical priorities and key information clearly.
• Share and cascade information across the engineering organisation.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to play a key technical role in the development of GMA's high-performance, driver-focused vehicles.

You will work across the full transmission development lifecycle, from requirements and concept studies through to design, supplier delivery, validation, certification and release. Your expertise will directly influence the performance, mass, durability, reliability and driving character of some of GMA's most ambitious low-volume vehicles.

You'll have the opportunity to shape transmission engineering standards and contribute to the development of innovative, lightweight systems for future GMA programmes.

Benefits

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team, the position comes with:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.