Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a significant recruitment drive, seeking 250 electrification engineers to join its team in the UK. These positions will be based at the company's Gaydon and Whitley facilities and are set to play a crucial role in advancing JLR's ambitious Reimagine strategy. This programme aims to launch a new generation of pure electric vehicles by 2030, in line with the company's commitment to offering Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) options across its entire model range by the end of the decade.
The recruitment campaign is specifically targeting over 40 battery engineering experts, highlighting JLR's focus on enhancing its capabilities in advanced energy storage systems, battery cell design, and electrical system software. These roles are central to the development of next-generation vehicle architectures that will underpin the luxury car manufacturer's future electric vehicles (EVs). This follows on from the company's creation of 300 apprenticeships a year ago.
In addition to the battery engineer positions, JLR is also looking for professionals with expertise in a range of electrification-related disciplines. These include propulsion software, calibration and controls, high-voltage system integration, electrical component design, and technologies aimed at improving the fast-charging experience for JLR's customers.
This hiring initiative follows JLR's £250 million investment in the company's Future Energy Lab at Whitley, Coventry. This state-of-the-art facility focuses on the engineering and testing of Electric Drive Units (EDUs) and batteries, boasting climate chambers that simulate extreme weather conditions. This capability is vital for testing electric vehicles' performance without the need for extensive real-world prototype testing across different climates, further reducing the carbon footprint associated with vehicle development.
Thomas Mueller, JLR's Executive Director of Product Engineering, emphasised the importance of this recruitment drive, stating that the realisation of the Reimagine strategy hinges on investing in both people and technology. He expressed the company's intent to attract highly talented individuals to contribute to advancements in propulsion technology, which will be fundamental to the next generation of modern luxury vehicles.
Freddy Gunnarsson, JLR's Cell Design Manager, also commented on the initiative, underscoring the exciting opportunities for battery chemistry experts to impact the future of electric powertrains. He highlighted the company's efforts to translate cutting-edge scientific research into battery propulsion systems that deliver unique driving and charging experiences, befitting modern luxury vehicles.
The recruitment drive aims to bolster JLR's expertise in battery cell chemistry, design, and systems, ensuring the company has a robust BEV value chain. This includes a partnership with Agratas' gigafactory in Somerset, which will supply battery cells to JLR as its main customer.
The new roles are now open for applications from candidates worldwide, signalling JLR's commitment to becoming a carbon net-zero company by 2039. The forthcoming launch of the new Range Rover Electric, manufactured in Solihull, UK, stands as a testament to JLR's dedication to electrification and its vision for the future of luxury motoring.
