Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)

{ “@context”: “http://schema.org”, “@type”: “JobPosting”, “title”: “Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)”, “description”: “

About the Role

We are building a new automotive engineering business focused on the design and manufacture of high-quality CNC-machined components.


Our focus is on performance-led parts — components that improve how vehicles function, perform, and behave, rather than simply replacing existing parts.


Our approach is simple: performance is achieved through correct engineering decisions, not just styling or marketing buzz.


We operate with in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability, allowing us to design, prototype, and refine products quickly and properly.


Our work will span a range of modern performance and high-end vehicles — from OEM+ upgrades through to more specialised applications.


We are looking for a Lead Design Engineer to work directly with the Director & GM to define, design, and develop our product range from the ground up.


This is a hands-on, collaborative role where you will help establish how products are engineered, not just what they look like.


What You’ll Be Doing


  • Design and develop performance-oriented automotive components for CNC machining
  • Work closely with the Director to make design and product decisions
  • Translate concepts into production-ready, manufacturable parts
  • Iterate designs through real-world testing and machining feedback
  • Consider tolerances, materials, and constraints from the outset
  • Support validation, refinement, and continuous improvement of products
  • Contribute to defining internal standards for how components are designed and developed


What This Role Is (and Isn’t)


This role is:

  • hands-on and practical
  • collaborative and discussion-led
  • focused on improving products through engineering


This role is not:

  • a corporate “Head of Engineering” position
  • a pure CAD execution role
  • a management-heavy position


What We’re Looking For


Core Skills

  • Solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles
  • Strong CAD capability (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar)
  • Reverse engineering experience – form 3d Scans or base components
  • Good understanding of CNC machining processes and constraints
  • Ability to design parts that are both functional and manufacturable


Experience

  • Typically 4–7 years in a design / mechanical engineering role
  • Experience working with real, physical components and assemblies


Mindset

  • Detail-focused and methodical
  • Comfortable working in a small, developing business
  • Open to collaboration and technical discussion
  • Interested in improving how things work, not just producing designs


Nice to Have (Not Essential)

  • Interest in cars and automotive engineering
  • Exposure to CNC machining environments
  • Experience with performance or aftermarket automotive components


Why This Role Is Different

  • Direct access to in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability
  • Opportunity to work on performance-focused components across a range of modern vehicles
  • Ability to design, test, and refine parts quickly
  • Involvement in real product decisions from day one
  • Close working relationship with the Director/GM
  • Opportunity to help define the engineering standards of the business as it grows.


Final Note

We are not looking for someone to simply fill a position. We are looking for someone who wants to be involved in building a business focused on improving performance cars through proper engineering, from the first decision through to the finished part.


”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-11”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “G54”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__429155218__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “” } } }
Company: G54
Apply for the Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)
Location:
Job Description:

About the Role

We are building a new automotive engineering business focused on the design and manufacture of high-quality CNC-machined components.

Our focus is on performance-led parts — components that improve how vehicles function, perform, and behave, rather than simply replacing existing parts.

Our approach is simple: performance is achieved through correct engineering decisions, not just styling or marketing buzz.

We operate with in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability, allowing us to design, prototype, and refine products quickly and properly.

Our work will span a range of modern performance and high-end vehicles — from OEM+ upgrades through to more specialised applications.

We are looking for a Lead Design Engineer to work directly with the Director & GM to define, design, and develop our product range from the ground up.

This is a hands-on, collaborative role where you will help establish how products are engineered, not just what they look like.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Design and develop performance-oriented automotive components for CNC machining
  • Work closely with the Director to make design and product decisions
  • Translate concepts into production-ready, manufacturable parts
  • Iterate designs through real-world testing and machining feedback
  • Consider tolerances, materials, and constraints from the outset
  • Support validation, refinement, and continuous improvement of products
  • Contribute to defining internal standards for how components are designed and developed

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This role is:

  • hands-on and practical
  • collaborative and discussion-led
  • focused on improving products through engineering

This role is not:

  • a corporate “Head of Engineering” position
  • a pure CAD execution role
  • a management-heavy position

What We’re Looking For

Core Skills

  • Solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles
  • Strong CAD capability (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar)
  • Reverse engineering experience – form 3d Scans or base components
  • Good understanding of CNC machining processes and constraints
  • Ability to design parts that are both functional and manufacturable

Experience

  • Typically 4–7 years in a design / mechanical engineering role
  • Experience working with real, physical components and assemblies

Mindset

  • Detail-focused and methodical
  • Comfortable working in a small, developing business
  • Open to collaboration and technical discussion
  • Interested in improving how things work, not just producing designs

Nice to Have (Not Essential)

  • Interest in cars and automotive engineering
  • Exposure to CNC machining environments
  • Experience with performance or aftermarket automotive components

Why This Role Is Different

  • Direct access to in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability
  • Opportunity to work on performance-focused components across a range of modern vehicles
  • Ability to design, test, and refine parts quickly
  • Involvement in real product decisions from day one
  • Close working relationship with the Director/GM
  • Opportunity to help define the engineering standards of the business as it grows.

Final Note

We are not looking for someone to simply fill a position. We are looking for someone who wants to be involved in building a business focused on improving performance cars through proper engineering, from the first decision through to the finished part.

Posted: May 11th, 2026