Job Description

Head of Powertrain

Department: Powertrain

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Windlesham

Description

We are looking for a Head of Powertrain to lead the Powertrain engineering function at Gordon Murray Automotive, delivering the design, development, calibration and global regulatory certification of low-volume, cutting-edge automotive powertrain systems and protecting the integrity of the design intent through to production.

Reporting to the Director of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and sitting on the Engineering Leadership Team, you will be accountable for ensuring every powertrain system embodies Gordon Murray Automotive's core philosophies of low mass, driving perfection and engineering art, while delivering the driver engagement and exceptional quality expected of every Gordon Murray Automotive sports car.

This is an exciting opportunity to own the powertrain of ultra-low-volume sports cars, with production of up to 100 units per year, and to navigate niche-market regulation across the EU, UK, US Federal and California markets.

Key Responsibilities

You'll be an experienced Powertrain engineer and leader with a strong background in high-performance, low-volume automotive engineering.

• 12–15 years' experience in high-performance powertrain engineering, including at least 5 years leading a powertrain function within a low-volume OEM, supercar/hypercar, motorsport or aerospace environment.
• Proven experience as a Principal Engineer or Head of function, with a focus on powertrain leadership, design and project engineering, preferably in the automotive, motorsport or aerospace industries.
• A proven track record of executing EPA/CARB SVM certification and EU/UK Small Series schemes from concept to production.
• Deep technical understanding of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, GB type approval, US 40 CFR Part 86 and California CCR Title 13.
• Hands-on experience with EMS and OBD calibration strategies, emissions chassis dyno testing and evaporative SHED test protocols.
• Extensive experience using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, engine dynos and virtual simulation to replace costly multi-car fleet durability testing.
• In-depth knowledge of powertrain design, development and optimisation, including lubrication heat rejection and cooler simulation, gearbox, final drive and gearshift, compliant nodes and their isolating effect, and aluminium, titanium and steel manufacturing processes and material selection, with hands-on experience of relevant engineering tools and software.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external clients and as part of a team.
• A creative, resourceful and self-directing approach, comfortable challenging existing processes, with a genuine appreciation of low mass and engineering art.

Managerial & Team Leadership Responsibilities

You'll lead, develop and motivate the Powertrain team, ensuring the function has the skills, resources and direction required to deliver programme objectives.

• Build strong relationships with team members, providing technical support, coaching and mentoring for their development.
• Set, support and motivate team members to achieve company, departmental and personal objectives through the company PDP process and regular 1:1s.
• Manage day-to-day activities, delegate workloads fairly, and plan and evaluate departmental activities and resources, working with the internal recruitment team when needed.
• Lead by example, sharing information and communicating goals clearly across the team.
• Manage conflict, resolve incidents and solve problems.
• Empower the team to take ownership and make sound decisions within programme boundaries, reporting successes and issues and proposing solutions.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to lead the function responsible for the systems at the heart of Gordon Murray Automotive's sports cars, from the engine and gearshift to the emissions hardware that makes global certification possible.

You'll influence powertrain performance, vehicle mass, driver engagement and regulatory strategy, while mentoring a talented engineering team and helping shape the technology roadmaps, standards and processes that define future programmes.

Your leadership will help deliver Gordon Murray Automotive's uncompromising approach to driving perfection, low mass and engineering art.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You'll be an experienced Powertrain engineer and leader with a strong background in high-performance, low-volume automotive engineering.

• 12–15 years' experience in high-performance Powertrain engineering, including at least 5 years leading a Powertrain function within a low-volume OEM, supercar/hypercar, motorsport or aerospace environment.
• Proven experience delivering EPA/CARB SVM certification and EU/UK Small Series approval from concept through to production.
• Strong understanding of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, GB type approval, US 40 CFR Part 86 and California CCR Title 13 regulations.
• Hands-on experience with EMS calibration, emissions chassis dynamometer testing and evaporative SHED testing.
• Experience using HIL testing, engine dynos and virtual simulation to support powertrain development and durability validation.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, automotive, aerospace engineering or a similar discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of powertrain design, development and optimisation, including engine integration, emissions systems, lubrication, transmission and gearshift systems.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to lead and develop engineering teams.
• A creative, self-directing and resourceful approach, with a genuine appreciation of low mass, engineering art and continuous improvement.

Managerial & Team Leadership Responsibilities

You'll lead, develop and motivate the Powertrain team, ensuring the function has the skills, resources and direction required to deliver programme objectives.

• Coach and mentor team members, supporting their professional development through the company PDP process and regular 1:1s.
• Manage day-to-day team activities, delegate workloads fairly and plan departmental resources.
• Support recruitment and resource planning as required.
• Lead by example, communicating objectives clearly and promoting accountability, collaboration and technical excellence.
• Encourage ownership, sound engineering judgement and continuous improvement across the team.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to lead the Powertrain function responsible for the systems at the heart of Gordon Murray Automotive's high-performance sports cars.

You'll influence powertrain performance, vehicle mass, driver engagement and global regulatory compliance, while leading a talented engineering team and helping shape the technology, processes and technical capability required for future programmes.

Your leadership will help deliver Gordon Murray Automotive's uncompromising approach to driving perfection, low mass and engineering art.

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.