Our Mission

Bentley Motors Limited/Coventry University wish to recruit a highly motivated Automotive Engineer as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to lead an innovative project.

Role Overview

The post-holder will be delivering a 30-month project focusing on the design, development, testing and validation of a novel active safety system that can prevent aquaplaning and improve braking performance on wet roads. The work will be based on a patented concept, the Run Dry Tyre System (RDTS), that can remove surface water in front of a moving tyre during an emergency.

In this project the associate will lead the design, development, and testing of a system prototype that will be integrated into an existing Bentley test vehicle. The system will be based on an existing patented concept known as the Run Dry Tyre System (RDTS). The challenge the Associate will face will be to design and develop a more close to market system considering the design constraints imposed by function, weight, cost and packaging. The project will also involve live testing of the vehicle on specialised test tracks at an internationally established automotive proving ground.

The successful candidate will receive extensive practical and formal training, gain marketable skills, broaden their knowledge and expertise within an industrially relevant project, and gain valuable research and commercial experience from business and academic mentors.

About the Company

Bentley Motors Limited is the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the world’s most desirable high‑performance grand tourers. Based in Crewe, England, Bentley sets the benchmark in performance and luxury, seamlessly combining exceptional craftsmanship with advanced technology to deliver ever‑evolving experiences.

At the heart of Bentley’s approach is a commitment to advancing the boundaries of excellence—continuously redefining what is possible in automotive luxury. This is achieved through a distinctive combination of performance, design and engineering expertise, underpinned by a relentless focus on quality and customer experience.

Guided by the Beyond100+ strategy, Bentley is transforming its business with sustainability and innovation as core pillars, embedding responsible practices across its operations while maintaining an uncompromising focus on luxury and craftsmanship.

Innovation is integral to how Bentley designs, engineers and manufactures its vehicles, driving the development of new capabilities, advanced processes and a continuously evolving manufacturing environment.

What is a KTP?

This position forms part of the KTP initiative funded by Innovate UK. The KTP initiative supports partnerships between business and universities or research organisations, placing graduates (KTP Associates) to work on innovative high-profile projects. Associates work under the supervision of a university academic(s) and the KTP industrial partner.

Overview of Required Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

Candidates should possess either an MEng, MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in a mechanical, automotive or motorsport engineering discipline. Design and development skills are a must and experience working in an automotive development team is desirable. The candidate will be expected work in both Crewe (mainly) and Coventry with flexibility to work from home when appropriate. They should be self-motivated with an ability to work independently to tight deadlines and prioritise workloads. The ideal candidate must be able to communicate effectively (written and verbally) with a range of stakeholders, e.g., academic, technical personnel, and sales and marketing personnel. Team working, flexibility and attention to detail will also be key requirements.

The Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have a access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 28 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4 x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To work scheme

Full Job Description & Person Specification

Click here to view the full job description and person specification

Informal Enquiries:

Professor Mike Blundell, Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities, Coventry University; cex403@coventry.ac.uk;

or Sebastian Fernan Pisonero, Technical Expert-Strategy/Innovation/Sustainability Sebastian.FernanPisonero@Bentley.co.uk