Perceived Quality Engineer - Job Description

Job Summary

Perceived Quality is responsible for setting and delivering the aesthetical targets for new vehicles. Assessing and reporting status during project phases and driving resolution of identified issues.

Role Responsibilities, Experience, Selection Criteria

This role requires the successful candidate to be able to define, communicate and implement PQ best practice within the design and engineering community to ensure the highest levels of refinement are achieved. Keeping abreast of industry trends / best in class practices and customer expectations of Perceived Quality levels.

Whilst there is no direct budget responsibility, all members of the team are required to contribute to the financial performance of the company.

Perceived Quality Engineer Responsibilities

This role is specifically:

•  to support the PQ attributes, in particularly the PQ Materials, who are targeted with ensuring the best practice material and surface finish selection and execution, and the AAR (Appearance Approval Report) managing.
• To support the PQ visualization in terms of Appearance and Lighting, to create rendering able to show the issue in the customer perception.
• Conduct Research into industry standards of execution, materials content and best practise Engineering solutions.
• Support development of Lotus PQ processes & procedures.
• Support in the development or reports & presentations.
• Provide support to Perceived Quality attribute reviews on Lotus and competitor products, assisting in the sourcing of vehicles and suitable environments as required.
• Keep up to date with industry trends / best in class practices.
• Support the development of Customer Research and reporting.
• Assist with the production approval of parts during the build phases.

Apprenticeship

Candidate will be expected to:

• meet the entry criteria for the Materials Technologist Apprenticeship with Sheffield Hallam University over C.4 Years. Candidates typically should have BBC A-levels including maths and one other from physics, physical science, engineering science, computer science, technology, chemistry or other science or technology subject. Alternatively, DMM BTEC Extended Diploma in a science/technology-based subject (inc. passes in maths and two other science/technology-based modules), 112 UCAS points.
• commit to full participation in the apprenticeship, fully funded by Lotus, who will provide you sufficient time for off the job learning, in accordance with apprenticeship rules.
• travel and stay in hotels (covered by Lotus), whilst undertaking study in blocks with Sheffield Hallam university.

Essential Criteria

• Full drivers’ licence
• Enthusiastic and passionate personality.
• Analytical, structured, confident, with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work under own initiative or part of a team.
• Must have a strong character in supporting visual debates.
• Build close working relationships with Design, Engineering and Manufacturing to embed Perceived.
• The ability to communicate and mediate at all levels up to management level to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.
• Knowledge of factors influencing perceived quality in automotive applications or similar, including visual appearance, haptic and feel.
• Ability to understand colour.
• Familiarity with materials used in automotive interiors and exteriors, such as plastics, textiles, metals, and composites.

Desirable Criteria

• A focus on materials, design or automotive engineering

Benefits 

• Pension scheme
• Bupa private healthcare (optional)
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)