Senior Research Engineer - ADAS
Circa £62,100 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid
Senior Research Engineer | Circa £62,100 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid
What if your engineering expertise could help shape the next generation of safer, smarter vehicles? Join Thatcham Research as our new Senior Research Engineer and take a leading role at the forefront of ADAS innovation where your ideas, insight and technical judgement can create impact across the global automotive and insurance industries.
You’ll lead high profile research into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), push the boundaries of how emerging technologies are tested and assessed, and turn complex engineering evidence into insight that drives real world change. Your work will help establish the insurance risks associated with new vehicle technologies, giving insurers the evidence they need to understand their impact on vehicle risk and insurability.
Alongside our Principal Engineer, you’ll work with leading vehicle manufacturers, insurers, regulators and technical experts giving you a powerful platform to influence industry thinking and leave your mark on the future of mobility.
As our new Senior Research Engineer, this is how you’ll make an impact:
Own research that matters: Take ADAS and vehicle technology programmes from first idea through to execution, analysis and influential final insight.
Set the standard: Create, validate and continually improve robust assessment methods, test procedures and frameworks that help define and quantify vehicle risk.
Turn complexity into clarity: Transform detailed technical information into compelling reports, presentations, briefings and recommendations that drive action.
Stay ahead of what’s next: Track emerging technologies, regulation, consumer test programmes and market trends to uncover the opportunities and risks shaping future vehicles and insurance.
Put technology to the test: Contribute to complex vehicle evaluation activities and use the evidence to deepen understanding of safety, security, damageability and repairability.
Influence the industry: Build meaningful relationships with vehicle manufacturers, insurers, regulators, technology suppliers and industry bodies, representing Thatcham Research in forums, working groups and collaborative projects.
Connect insight with action: Work across Research, Operations, Product and Data to turn technical discoveries into meaningful business, operational and industry outcomes.
Help shape our future: Play an active role in developing our ADAS research strategy, technical capability and next generation of research programmes.
Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:
Essential skills:
Hands on experience with ADAS or related automotive technologies.
A good understanding of electronic, electromechanical and software enabled vehicle systems.
An engineering related degree or equivalent knowledge gained through relevant experience.
Experience taking ownership of complex technical research or engineering projects.
The ability to develop or improve assessment methods, test procedures and approaches to analysis.
An analytical mindset and the confidence to make sound, evidence based decisions.
The ability to explain technical information clearly through reports, presentations and conversations.
A collaborative approach and the confidence to build relationships and influence a range of stakeholders.
Familiarity with ADAS regulations, standards or consumer test programmes.
A full driving licence, as the role involves vehicle related activities.
Desirable skills:
These are desirable skills or experience and are not essential, so we would welcome applications from candidates that do not match these additional criteria.
Vehicle testing or evaluation.
Vehicle networks or external test instrumentation.
Working with and interpreting raw test data.
How vehicle technology affects insurance risk and insurability.
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 £62,100 negotiable 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 experience any technical issues when completing your application, please get in touch at people.team@thatcham.org and we’ll be happy to help.
To ensure fairness and protect your data, we’re unable to accept applications or CVs via email. The best way to apply and to stay updated on your progress, is through our online application form.
About Thatcham Research
With over five decades of experience in industry leading research and analysis, Thatcham Research is the UK’s only not-for-profit automotive risk intelligence organisation. Focused on safety, security and sustainable repair, Thatcham Research is a key player in the global automotive industry.