Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer Location: Crewe (Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week) Contract Duration: Until 31st January 2026 (Potential to extend) Hours: 35 per week IR35 Status: Outside IR35 Travel: Frequent UK and international travel required Driving Licence: Full UK licence required This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer to support the coordination and execution of dynamic and static vehicle testing activities across multiple platforms. Operating within a fast-paced automotive engineering environment, you will play a key role in structured vehicle validation events, ensuring systems are tested thoroughly and faults are resolved effectively. As a Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer, you will be responsible for vehicle readiness, structured assessment execution, and issue validation throughout pre-production and development cycles. The role requires a proactive mindset, excellent driving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with engineering, diagnostics, and quality teams to deliver reliable results and product improvements. This opportunity suits a hands-on, delivery-focused Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer with a passion for system testing, real-world problem solving, and cross-functional teamwork. Key Responsibilities of the Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer: Plan and coordinate whole-vehicle validation events from preparation to execution, including route planning and vehicle logistics. Create detailed drive plans and itineraries to ensure coverage of relevant use cases and systems during test events. Conduct in-event testing and structured assessments, including driving lead and convoy vehicles to identify real-world issues. Record, categorise, and report vehicle faults, and work with engineering teams to track and validate resolutions. Provide clear documentation and technical feedback post-event to drive continuous improvement across validation activities. Skills & Experience Required: Experience in vehicle system testing, validation, or verification engineering. Strong background in executing both dynamic and static vehicle tests with exposure to proving grounds and structured road routes. Confident driving ability with experience handling various vehicle types and test scenarios. Strong issue identification and root-cause analysis skills with the ability to define and communicate customer-relevant concerns. Effective communicator with experience delivering test reports and technical feedback to stakeholders at all levels. Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments such as engineering, diagnostics, calibration, and quality. Ability to react quickly to emerging issues during test events and support resolution in real time. Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of key vehicle systems including at least one of: powertrain, chassis, ADAS, infotainment. Familiarity with diagnostic and test tools (e.g., Vector CAN tools, data loggers, basic vehicle fault diagnostics). Experience using itinerary planning and scheduling tools such as Excel, JIRA, or similar platforms. Understanding of automotive validation frameworks and structured sign-off processes. Awareness of engineering development lifecycles and the science behind real-world vehicle operation and performance testing. Qualifications: Degree in Automotive, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering – or equivalent hands-on experience in vehicle validation/testing. Full UK (or equivalent) driving licence. Advanced or track driving certifications desirable (e.g., IAM, RoSPA). This contract presents a high-impact opportunity for a capable and motivated Whole Vehicle Test & Validation Engineer to take ownership of critical test events and help drive the delivery of high-performance, high-quality vehicles. If you thrive in test environments and bring a structured yet flexible approach to validation, we encourage you to apply