For over 110 years Aston Martin has made the most exquisitely addictive performance sports cars.
But no one builds an Aston Martin on their own. Behind these legends and landmarks are hundreds of dreamers, darers and doers who make extraordinary happen, every single day. That's why the name of everyone who has ever worn our famous wings is inscribed on the wall of our factory.
As we embark on an exciting new era for the business, we need the very best people to write their own chapter on our journey to become the world's most desirable ultra-luxury British performance brand.
Join us.
Job Purpose:
Lead materials development activities and processes to ensure that all new Body Interior and/or Interior colour and materials introductions achieve the required quality and durability targets and are developed and validated in line with agreed programme timing.
Support Materials development manager in continuous improvement and rationalization efforts activities
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of new interior and exterior trim materials for application across a range of Interior and Exterior commodity groups and/or component types (potentially including soft trim, hard trim, brightware, mouldings and painted parts).
- Work with component engineers and suppliers to identify feasible solutions for all required colour and materials content applied to Body and Trim components and systems on new vehicle programmes.
- Advise on technical solutions to achieve required materials durability, performance and appearance specifications and support root cause and countermeasure identification for materials-related quality issues.
- Define efficient and robust targets and Design Verification Plans (DVPs) to validate the material performance and durability of all new material types, and components.
- Ensure that Materials DVP elements are planned and completed in line with programme timing and that progress is reported and issues resolved in an accurate and timely manner.
- Lead all elements of materials DVPs including coordinating and prioritising workload through the laboratory and managing any outsourced testing required.
- Carry out testing activities and ensure these are conducted in line with Materials Laboratory procedures, including submission of test requests, receipt and booking-in of samples and review and issuing of reports.
- Create and update materials performance specifications and test procedures appropriate for all required material types and applications and incorporate lessons-learnt from previous programmes.
- Gain a thorough understanding of new technologies and processes applicable to interior / exterior trim materials and act as point of contact for all materials queries relating to specific material types and/or component groups.
- Be a "change champion" by finding streamlining and rationalizations opportunities in the work performed by the team
Qualification & Experience:
- Theoretical and practical materials science expertise, with relevance to the materials used in AML
- Experience of Laboratory testing.
- Experience of running small / medium size projects
- Basic supervisory experience
- Development and testing of Automotive interior and exterior materials and components
- Familiar with coating performance and testing requirements including corrosion, adhesion and scratch resistance
- Experience in applying Lean methodology tools
- Degree in a related Engineering discipline
Behaviours:
- Practical laboratory techniques applicable to materials testing
- Technical Knowledge of 1 or more materials (e.g. metals, polymers, coatings, textiles)
- Good communication skills: Able to communicate ideas clearly & concisely
- Good time management & organisational skills
- Ability to manage multiple demands on time & priorities
- Capability of working under pressure
- Specialist knowledge in materials field
- Knowledge of Automotive test standards
- Advanced knowledge in at least one area of materials testing or technology
- Practical Problem Solving (AMPS, 8D, or similar)
- Hold or obtain an AML L3 driving permit
Belong at Aston Martin
We understand that the incredible beauty, craft and art that defines an Aston Martin comes from the inclusion of our amazing people.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. We celebrate diversity and are seeking applicants who can bring something different. Please speak to us if there is anything you need to support making an application with us.