China carmaker set to recruit UK engineers

Chinese firm plans to recruit 200 engineers and set up a science park in Britain

A Chinese carmaker plans to recruit 200 engineers in Britain to establish a place as a technical leader in low-emission vehicles.

Changan Automobile Company, based in Chongqing, is one of China’s fastest growing carmakers with sales increasing by 30% a year.

The company aims to set up a technical centre at a science park in Nottingham where UK engineers will play a major role in designing and engineering hybrid electric vehicles. All technical and engineering work in design and development will take place in Britain. Manufacturing will be done in China. 

The centre is looking for powertrain, hybrid electric vehicle and transmission engineers, with an emphasis on driveline technology applications. Engineers with experience in leading engine and transmission design and development teams and programmes of work are a priority.

In addition, technical specialists in combustion, NVH, ECU, control systems, hybrid and electric vehicles, engine packaging, engine calibration, and CFD/CAE are also needed.

The company plans to recruit over the next five years and have 40 engineers in place by Christmas.

Euro-Projects Recruitment has been appointed as the strategic recruitment partner for Changan.

Managing director Stephen Brown said: “They aim to have a product that will be largely engineered in the UK. They need to design and develop the mechanics of the vehicle and they’re coming to the UK to get that expertise.

“They recognise that we have got the talent within the UK and have got an established and innovative automotive industry.”