Senior Vehicle Security Engineer | Circa £62,100 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

At Thatcham Research, we help shape the future of vehicle safety and security through independent, evidence‑based insight. As vehicles become increasingly connected and technologically complex, protecting them against theft and security threats has never been more important.

As the Senior Vehicle Security Engineer, you’ll:

• Lead and deliver technical research that advances vehicle security and theft prevention insight

• Identify and analyse emerging vehicle theft trends using data‑driven and investigative methods

• Research new vehicle technologies, security systems, vulnerabilities and attack vectors, translating findings into clear, usable risk attributes

• Develop, enhance and govern vehicle security assessment and testing protocols, ensuring they remain robust, relevant and commercially valuable

• Work closely with colleagues across insurability, research, operations, product, data and communications teams to ensure a consistent and joined‑up approach to Automotive Risk Intelligence

• Collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, insurers and industry bodies to share insight, guide best practice and influence future security standards

• Support and maintain strong relationships with external authorities and organisations involved in theft prevention and vehicle security

• Lead and contribute to research projects, including planning, coordination, stakeholder updates and delivery against agreed objectives

• Present technical findings to members, customers and industry audiences

• Author and contribute to technical reports and publications for external use

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Significant experience within the automotive and/or insurance sectors

• Strong automotive engineering knowledge, with practical experience of vehicle security systems including electronic, electromechanical and mechanical components

• A solid understanding of current and emerging vehicle technologies, such as connectivity, software‑defined systems and electrical architectures

• Proven ability to lead or deliver complex engineering or research projects, applying appropriate technologies and methodologies

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical information and identify meaningful risk insights

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting technical content to a range of audiences

• High levels of interpersonal and influencing skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and organisations

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Teams)

• Knowledge of UK and EU vehicle regulations and their security or safety implications

• Experience working with insurers or an understanding of insurance processes and vehicle theft risk

• Familiarity with vehicle development processes, CAD imagery, wiring diagrams or technical drawings

• Experience leading cross‑functional projects or contributing to the development of others

• A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience) will be beneficial

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £61,200 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠