Innovation Project Engineer

Lear Corporation Holding Spain SLu; Coventry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global automotive technology leader in Coventry is seeking an Innovation Project Engineer to drive Innovation activities. The ideal candidate will collaborate with experts across multiple departments to implement advanced technologies that enhance manufacturing operations. This role requires strong project management skills, analytical thinking, and a degree in engineering or a related field, offering opportunities for professional growth in a diverse work environment.

Benefits

Access to learning and development opportunities

Opportunities to give back to the community

Meaningful work that makes a difference

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to understand business processes.
• Experience leading complex research projects.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and completion of projects.
• Collaborate with product development teams.
• Communicate project progress to senior management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Lean thinking

Business acumen

Confidence in presenting

Flexibility to travel

Education

Masters in a related engineering/technical field

Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience

Tools

Robotics and Automation

Data and Digitalization

Digital Twin

AI

Job description

Company Overview

Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Our diverse team of more than 165,000 talented employees in 37 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks #186 on the Fortune 500.

Position overview

The Innovation Project Engineer will drive activities within Lear’s regional Innovation Hub under the umbrella of the companies EU & Africa Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering team. This is a unique opportunity for a Project Engineer to work closely with Subject Matter Experts from Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality and IT departments to drive the concept and lead the delivery of applied technologies / Industry 4.0 initiatives into Lear’s regional operation. The ideal candidate will have a background in manufacturing innovation through technology and processes, with a focus on integrating and deploying advanced technologies to drive efficiency, quality, and productivity in manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of Innovation projects across the EMEA region, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and technical requirements.
• Manage project resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, such as operations, IT and production, to ensure the smooth transition of products from development to implementation.

Innovation and Product Development:

• Ensure that Innovation initiatives align with operation needs and the company’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with product development teams to create prototypes, run proof of concepts, and optimise products before scaling across business.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, IoT, AR/VR) that could be deployed on projects.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure all solutions comply with company and industry standards, regulations, and security protocols including proper documentation and intellectual property protection.
• Encourage continuous learning and stay updated with the latest technological advancements.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with regional departments to ensure that Innovation efforts are aligned with business needs and market demand.
• Communicate the progress, challenges, and outcomes of Innovation projects to senior management, providing regular updates and recommendations for future actions.
• Build and manage relationships with external partners, including universities, research institutions, and suppliers, to foster collaboration and access new technologies or knowledge.

Key skills and Qualifications

• Confidence in presenting and interfacing with senior stakeholders from multi‑cultural backgrounds and functional disciplines.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel within the role.
• Analytical and critical thinking: Strong analytical skills to understand business processes and requirements.
• Lean thinker: understands the benefits of standardisation and can explain clearly when challenged.
• Business Acumen – understands the business impact of innovation initiatives. Aligns efforts with the strategic goals.
• Exposure of working within the manufacturing sector from various industries.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading complex research projects from concept to completion.
• Broad operational / practical experience working within at least one of the following disciplines:
• Robotics and Automation
• Data and Digitalization
• Digital Twin
• AI
• Ability to apply both academic and practical thinking to real-world tech challenges.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Fluency in English language both written and verbal.
• Ideally a Masters in a related engineering / technical field although Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience may be considered.

Why Lear

We offer a fantastic place to work, opportunity to grow and being part of a company who places its people first.

What We Offer

• Access to Learning and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to give back to the community.
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the world.

Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.

Applicants must submit their resumes for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.