Senior Vehicle Security Engineer

Senior Vehicle Security Engineer | Circa £62,100 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid Internal Job title: Senior Insurability Engineer (Security) At Thatcham Research, we help shape the future of vehicle security through independent, evidence‑based insight. As vehicles become increasingly connected, software enabled and technologically complex, protecting them against theft and security threats has never been more important. We're looking for a Senior Vehicle Security Engineer to play a leading role in advancing our vehicle security research and assessment capability. This is a senior technical position where you'll combine deep engineering expertise with forward‑thinking research to influence insurers, manufacturers and wider industry stakeholders, helping improve real‑world vehicle security and insurance outcomes. You'll be working alongside our Vehicle Security and Technology experts with lots of opportunities to learn and develop. 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 sector
• Strong automotive engineering knowledge, with practical experience of vehicle security systems, such as electronic architectures, connected vehicle technologies, software-driven functions, or communication networks.
• Understanding of current and emerging vehicle technologies, such as in-vehicle and off-board communications, software‑defined systems or electrical architectures
• 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) Desirable (but not essential):
• A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
• 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 Why join Thatcham Research?
• Be part of a respected organisation influencing global vehicle safety standards.
• Work on exciting projects with leading automotive brands.
• Enjoy a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development to expand knowledge in specialist areas. Did you know 💡 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 - £62,100 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. (Local travel as required to attend conferences, events and Members visits, and from time to time attend events and conferences in Europe or other international destinations.) 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 active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and 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 🫶 Beyond our membership in the Automotive 30% Club, 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 our Recruitment Business 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 invisible 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.