Principal Engineer

Overview

Are you a highly credible and technically competent engineer ready to drive strategic growth in the future transport sector? IAAPS is seeking two experienced Principal Engineers to accelerate our mission to solve the industry's biggest challenges.

This is a pivotal and highly influential role central to our rapid business growth, positioning IAAPS as a leading engineering and technology consultancy rather than just a test service provider.

About IAAPS
IAAPS is a world-leading Research & Innovation centre and a commercial subsidiary of the University of Bath. We operate a new, purpose-built 11,300 sq metre facility, ranking among the top three independent institutions of its type globally. We are in a scale-up phase, focused on creating the technologies, tools, and systems needed to accelerate the transition to clean, affordable, and sustainable mobility.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Engineering & Business Development, these two vacancies will be key senior members of the Engineering Team, joining an existing group of four Principal Engineers.

The role holds a combined accountability for project delivery, technical authority, and developing the business with our Business Development team.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Business Development & Customer Engagement (approx. 40%): Acting as the key technical engagement person. You will work closely with the Business Development team to develop relationships, understand customer needs, and generate compelling proposals to win new project work.
• Technical Project Delivery (approx. 40%): Providing technical authority and leadership in the delivery of customer projects to agreed quality, budgets, and timescales.
• Engineering Capability & Strategy: Identifying and developing opportunities for service offerings, defining technology roadmaps, and leading the growth of IAAPS engineering capabilities.
• While formally an individual contributor, you will be expected to guide, mentor, and oversee variable groups of engineers in a project environment within our matrix organisation.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking self-starters with extensive technical experience who can demonstrate an understanding of the complete development process.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Extensive technical experience in propulsion systems and powertrains, encompassing technologies such as ICE, Fuel Cell, Batteries, Hybrids, electric motors, and drives.
• Experience working in a research, development, or engineering role, typically within an OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or consultancy supporting these clients.
• A deep understanding of the complete development process, from requirements capture and simulation/modelling to physical testing.
• Proven success working with customers to understand project and market needs and develop technical relationships.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and effectively leading delivery in a matrix organisation.

Sector Focus

We cover a diverse range of sectors, including automotive, motorsport, aerospace, defence, marine, industrial machine, and energy. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise outside of automotive and motorsport to broaden our horizons.

Soft Skills

Excellent communication skills are essential. You must be able to explain and develop concepts at both technical and commercial levels. A strong collaborative approach is highly valued within our tightly-knit team.

Location and Flexibility

This role is based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. We operate a hybrid model, expecting a minimum of 60% on-site presence. This on-site focus is crucial for developing internal communications, building customer relationships, and overseeing physical project activities.

PLEASE APPLY USING THE LINK PROVIDED.

Closing date: 02/11/2025

Interviews will be held from 10/11/2025

Job Ref: 280825

Start Date: 13/10/2025

Hours: Full Time

Location: Emersons Green, South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom