Graduate Design Engineer in Exterior Systems & Lighting Design

Who are we?

The exterior systems and lighting department in Nissan is looking for new Graduates who are passionate about design and materials engineering! Working for the Global automotive company Nissan at its European R&D centre (NTCE) based near Milton Keynes and Cranfield University, you’ll play a key role in our push towards electrification, resolving the challenges and opportunities this creates to enhance our customer experience of the vehicle exterior and lighting. As a global company there are many potential opportunities to travel and gain experience from the various well-established departments across the world, including of course in Japan.

Purpose

The successful candidate will initially be supported through a 2-year graduate training program as well as supported in their allocated role to deeply understand the purpose and methodology of automotive design. Through this you will be able to develop your knowledge of how to design for cost whilst delivering the high levels of quality our customers expect within a strict project timing framework.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Within this role you will gain hands on experience of all aspects of the development process from benchmarking, target setting, layout planning, concept sheet making, collaboration with styling, sourcing, technical cost analysis, digital and physical phase design & development & supplier / cost management extending into the life cycle of the project.  

Team Responsibilities:

Part of a team responsible for the design and development of exterior systems, wash, wiper and lighting for Nissan vehicles in Europe, both completely new and minor change models.

This includes front and rear end as well as side moulding design. We also have responsibility for mechanisms and metal crash structures.

We are heavily involved in developing our parts to meet the performance requirements of:

• Styling

• Crash

• Manufacturing requirements

• Aerodynamics

• Cost

• Other test requirements such as perceived quality, thermal, solar load, rattle and squeak etc.

We have complete ownership from initial concept through to mass production of parts made by our suppliers and in house by Nissan.

Typical Design Engineer Responsibilities:

Working with the support of your senior engineer and the wider team you will be

Problem solving concerns for build & test failures (digital and physical).

Managing supplier and in house parts cost, quality and delivery.

Working with styling team to feedback engineering requirements during digital development phase.

Travel

Regular trips to visit the manufacturing site in Sunderland.

Supplier visits across Europe.

On occasion Japan depending on project / schedule / capability for anywhere from 2 weeks, a few months, to 18months (none of which are mandatory).

Entry Requirements

• You must hold or expect to achieve the following qualification(s): Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree graded 2:1 or above in a related engineering or scientific discipline.

• Sufficient evidence of your right to work in the UK will be required. Your right to work in the UK or VISA must extend until September 2027 in order for you to qualify for this position.

Skills & Experience

We’re looking to implement and develop the skills and career of successful candidates that can drive us forwards in this area of engineering design. A proven team player, with the attention to detail, curiosity & courage to adapt their existing skills and make opinions to enable and empower an exciting and diverse career making great products. We look forward to hearing from you!

What we offer

We firmly believe that investment in our employees is integral to their growth and success. As a member of our team, you will have access to many of our benefits - because we want you to feel cared for, supported, and engaged at Nissan.

• Competitive base salary starting at £33,904

• Remote Working Policy (maximum 2 days per week WFH)

• Flexible Working Options

  • 39 hours per week

  • Standard Working Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm

  • 2+/- flexible hour adjustments (Subject to manager approval)

• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

• Free Private Medical Cover

• Nissan Car Ownership and Finance Scheme

• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant

• Onsite Gym Facilities

At Nissan we believe that diversity gives us strength and is key to the success of our business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and have a range of Talent initiatives in place, such as high potential development, leadership, and career coaching to support our female workforce. In a male dominated industry, our UK data shows that on average, women’s mean hourly pay is more than men. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business.

Diversity and Inclusion:

All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Please note, it is a mandatory requirement to include your CV with your application. A cover letter may be submitted at your discretion.

Closing date: 5th January 2025-  Nissan reserves the right to terminate this advertisement prematurely.