HORSTMAN DEFENCE SYSTEMS LIMITED
JOB DESCRIPTION
Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids
DESCRIPTION
The Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids is a challenging and demanding position that will suit
an ambitious experienced senior design engineer, or lead engineer looking for a new and exciting
opportunity.
This person will have an important role in the development and delivery of compressible fluid suspension
solutions to our customers, and growth of suspension unit sales at Horstman Defence Systems Limited.
BASIC FUNCTION
The Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids will be the engineering lead for a number of
suspension applications using innovative technology to increase Horstman’s market access to cost sensitive
and/or higher volume markets.
Working within the engineering team, and supporting the commercial team, they will manage and deliver
innovative technical solutions primarily based on Horstman Compressible Fluid technology.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The role reports directly to the Engineering Director.
The role also involves working closely with the Commercial Director supporting the pursuit and capture of
opportunities worldwide.
RESPONSIBLE FOR
The Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids will be responsible for the following;
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Capturing User and Customer requirements to derive and generate technical requirements.
Definition of project scope and outline project plans.
Generate product specifications.
Design and analysis of concepts.
Supervision of detailed design and manufacturing drawing team, including peer review of
documentation.
Manage and support integration.
Liaising with the quality and production engineering teams on technical and manufacturing matters.
Planning and execution of component and vehicle level testing, supported by the Horstman
engineering development and test team.
The Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids will support the following;
 Commercial market investigation, including market research, assessment of competitors’ suspension
solutions, customer liaison and meetings.
 Assist with the generation of RFI and bid documentation, commercial offers and MOU’s.
They will also be responsible for delivering smaller projects, which will include the progressing of
manufacture, assembly, function, environmental and legislative testing, delivery to the end customer, and
commissioning support.
The size and makeup of the team will change from time to time, and be driven by programme and project
deliverables.
Ref: Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids – 20120801
Page 1 of 3
Closing Date For Applications: 1st Sept 2012
HORSTMAN DEFENCE SYSTEMS LIMITED
JOB DESCRIPTION
DUTIES
The Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids duties will include;
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Provide a technical lead for configuration of compressible fluid type suspension technology on
Customer vehicles.
Work with the commercial team supporting customer enquiries, capturing requirements and
generating configuration designs.
Take the lead both internally and with customers including supporting the selling function.
Be the technical lead for project configuration management of controlled engineering drawing,
models and documentation on compressible fluid projects.
Help develop a programme of internal and external testing and development (if required) with the
engineering team.
Lead and support internal and customer technical meetings.
Help with the production of detailed designs with supporting reports where required by the
programme.
Support Engineering team members with other suspension technologies when required, including
the Hydrostrut®, Hydrocoil™, InArm®, Hydrogas, Rotary damper, Lever Arm Damper and linear
damper product ranges.
Knowledge & Ability
Essential
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Degree qualified (or equivalent) in mechanical or related engineering discipline.
Experience in the design of automotive systems and ideally driveline, suspension or suspension
components.
Experience of high pressure hydraulics and / or gas sealing technologies.
Demonstrable mechanical engineering and analytical skills.
Professional in approach and performance, with strong communication skills.
Demonstrable success of working with customers and developing concepts to meet their needs.Be a
competent user of CAD tools (preferably Solid Works) and supporting office tools (desirably including
MS Project).
Have an understanding of the protection of business interests when working with customers.
Ability to work with other areas of the business, particularly sales, manufacturing and quality
functions.
Be structured and methodical in their working practices.
Desirable
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Experience in automotive sector.
An understanding of the use of vehicle ride modelling.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
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Highly competent confident engineer.
Self-motivated.
Independent.
Persuasive.
The candidate must be able to travel both in the UK and worldwide.
Confident and articulate able to work effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Good leadership skills.
Able to focus when necessary, and understand when flexibility is required.
Produce high quality output.
Ref: Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids – 20120801
Page 2 of 3
Closing Date For Applications: 1st Sept 2012
HORSTMAN DEFENCE SYSTEMS LIMITED
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Clear thinker, able to identify critical paths.
Very capable of working with all levels of engineers.
Security – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance. Further restrictions may
apply to certain projects.
Candidates from the EU are encouraged provided they have the right to work in the UK.
Terms and Conditions;
37 hour week. The candidate must be prepared to work additional hours when necessary. This position is not
eligible for overtime payments.
This is a permanent position.
Ref: Lead Suspension Engineer – Compressible Fluids – 20120801
Page 3 of 3
Closing Date For Applications: 1st Sept 2012