Prodrive Advanced Technology design, develop and produce solutions that enhance our client’s projects and solve their technical challenges. We specialise in active aero systems, intelligent interiors and niche vehicles across automotive, aerospace, defence and marine sectors. Our capabilities span across a wide range of functions including system integration, design engineering, electronics and electrical systems, and chassis engineering.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Verification & Validation (V&V) Test Engineer to take ownership of planning, coordinating, and delivering the overall Design Verification Plan (DVP) for low-volume, high-performance product programs. This senior role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, overseeing a team of V&V Test Engineers, managing test timing, and driving improvements in validation processes and methodologies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in vehicle and system-level validation, with proven experience in instrumentation, data acquisition, global certification, and homologation testing. You will also bring a structured and proactive approach to team leadership, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Coordination
• Manage and mentor a team of V&V Test Engineers, ensuring effective allocation of work, development of team capability, and delivery against program milestones.
• Act as the central point of coordination for all validation and test activities across commodities and vehicle systems.
• DVP Ownership & Test Timing
• Define, manage, and maintain the overall Design Verification Plan (DVP), ensuring alignment with program requirements and gateways, cross-disciplinary:

• Electrical/electronics, controls, software, NVH, structural, durability, dynamics, thermal, fluids, environmental

• Oversee test scheduling and timing plans, ensuring tests are booked, resources prepared, and vehicles/components delivered on time and to the correct specification.
• Monitor progress of all test activities, proactively addressing risks, delays, and dependencies.
• Verification & Validation Delivery
• Oversee the planning, preparation, and execution of system and vehicle-level tests, including global certification and homologation campaigns.
• Ensure accurate data acquisition and instrumentation setups, data quality, and test coverage against requirements.
• Review test data, reports, and feedback from engineers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and relevance.
• Process Development & Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement in V&V processes, methods, and tools, ensuring best practices in requirements-based testing, data handling, and reporting.
• Standardise templates, workflows, and reporting to improve efficiency and traceability.
• Champion lessons learned from test campaigns and embed them into future processes.
• Communication & Reporting
• Provide regular updates to senior management and program leadership on DVP status, test progress, risks, and results.
• Ensure fast feedback loops, with preliminary findings communicated quickly to design and project teams before full report completion.
• Act as a key liaison with internal engineering teams, Tier 1 suppliers, and external test facilities.
• Global Testing Support
• Coordinate international test trips, ensuring correct planning, logistics, and resourcing for engineers and vehicles.
• Provide senior technical support during test campaigns, including certification and homologation events.

Who are we looking for?

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, or relevant Engineering discipline.
• Significant experience in automotive verification and validation, ideally in low-volume, high-performance or motorsport programs.
• Strong experience leading and managing cross-functional vehicle DVP, including homologation and certification activities
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, data acquisition systems, calibration, and data analysis.
• Experience in certification and homologation testing (UNECE, FMVSS, WLTP, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate a team of engineers.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to balance hands-on testing and strategic oversight.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to provide clear technical direction and timely reporting.
• Willingness to travel internationally for extended test campaigns (up to 3 weeks at a time).
• Technical understanding of the required testing to be able to challenge for better ways of achieving success
• Strong problem solving to unlock progress when the way forwards is not clear and provide clarity to stakeholders.

What can we offer you?

• An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact.
• 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days.
• Training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Onsite subsidised staff restaurant.
• Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes.
• Cycle scheme .
• Exercise classes.
• Paid time off for volunteering.
• Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert.
• Social events throughout the year.
• Exclusive company discounts.
• Life assurance.

We are an equal opportunities employer

At Prodrive we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which values diversity and ensures that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. Studies have found that underrepresented groups such as women and ethnic minority groups are less likely to apply for roles if they do not meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If you feel that this role does not perfectly match your experience, we encourage you to apply as you may just be the candidate we are looking for.