Accessory Design Engineer

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

As an Automotive Accessory Design Engineer, you will join our engineering team in Cranfield to support product development activities within the automotive sector.

You will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of vehicle accessory components, working closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, styling, manufacturing, and suppliers. The role involves developing production-ready designs, supporting prototype builds, and ensuring accessories meet technical, quality, and regulatory requirements within the automotive product development lifecycle.

• Location: Cranfield
• On Site: Yes
• Clearance: None
• Experience Level: Mid - Level

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop automotive accessory components such as interior trims, exterior add-ons, mounting systems, lifestyle accessories, and functional vehicle enhancements
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
• Support the development of accessories from concept through to production within the automotive product lifecycle
• Work closely with styling, manufacturing, and supplier teams to ensure designs are feasible and manufacturable
• Conduct design reviews, prototype evaluations, and validation activities
• Ensure design compliance with automotive standards, safety requirements, and durability targets
• Support cost optimisation, materials selection, and manufacturing process selection
• Maintain design documentation, engineering change records, and technical reports

Required Skills:

• Strong experience in automotive product design and development
• Proven ability to create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using tools such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Siemens NX
• Good understanding of automotive materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly methods
• Experience working within a structured product development lifecycle
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and supplier teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyse and improve design solutions

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience designing aftermarket automotive accessories
• Knowledge of plastic injection moulding, sheet metal, and composite materials
• Experience supporting prototype builds, validation testing, or durability testing
• Familiarity with DFMEA, GD&T, and automotive design standards
• Previous experience in automotive, motorsport, mobility, or other advanced engineering industries

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.