Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) - Composite Structures

Expleo Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job description

The Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) Signature is responsible for the design, development, validation, and production release of exterior and/or interior signature composite parts. This role owns component performance, quality, cost, timing, and compliance from concept through launch, working cross‑functionally with design, CAE, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams.

Work Environment

• Office and engineering lab environment with periodic travel to suppliers and manufacturing plants as required.

Responsibilities

• Design & Engineering Ownership
  • Serve as the Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) for assigned composite components (e.g., fascia, trim, spoilers, panels, covers, structural or semi‑structural parts).
  • Own component requirements, specifications, and DFMEA.
  • Lead component design from concept, feasibility, and CAD release through production launch.
  • Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Materials & Manufacturing
  • Select and validate composite materials (e.g., CFRP, GFRP, SMC, BMC, thermoplastics).
  • Develop parts considering manufacturability, tooling, tolerances, and assembly interfaces.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineering on process selection (compression molding, RTM, injection, autoclave, etc.).
• Supplier & Program Management
  • Work directly with Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 suppliers on design, cost, tooling, and timing.
  • Support RFQs, technical reviews, and sourcing decisions.
  • Track and deliver parts to program milestones (DV, PV, PPAP, SOP).
• Validation & Quality
  • Define and execute DV/PV test plans for composite components.
  • Support build events, fit & finish reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality or durability issues.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Interface with Design Studio, CAE, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Program Management.
  • Communicate technical status, risks, and trade‑offs clearly to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, part design, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, tolerance stack‑ups, and validation processes.

Essential Skills

• Strong technical ownership and accountability
• Problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis
• Cross‑functional communication
• Supplier technical leadership
• Attention to detail with a system‑level mindset
• Familiarity with cost modeling and lightweighting strategies.

Experience

• Experience in automotive or aerospace composite component development (level may vary).
• Experience as a DRE or component owner in a product development environment.
• Experience with Class‑A or signature/exterior components.
• Experience in EV or advanced mobility platforms.
• Launch experience through production (SOP).

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges.
• We empower all passionate technology‑loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects.
• ExpleoAcademy – enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses.
• Competitive company benefits.
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:

• Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible.
• Communicating and promoting vacancies.
• Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
• Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required.
• Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long‑term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people.

Equal Opportunity Employer

“We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.”

We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive.