Paul Simmons

Highly accomplished Automotive Design Engineer with 30+ years of international experience delivering vehicle programs from concept design through launch and production across OEMs, EV start-ups, and Tier 1 suppliers. Extensive expertise in vehicle architecture, BIW, closures, interiors, exteriors, packaging feasibility, studio engineering, manufacturing integration, and launch management. Proven track record leading global cross-functional engineering teams in high-pressure development environments while driving design feasibility, quality, timing, and cost targets.

Strong background supporting both advanced concept development and production readiness across ICE and EV vehicle programs.

PM / Lead Design Engineer at VANTAGE / FORGED DESIGN (2015-01 – Present)

• Lead concept feasibility studies across automotive, marine, furniture, and industrial sectors.
• Manage development of custom aftermarket automotive systems and electrically operated hard-top solutions.
• Oversee prototype builds, supplier sourcing, tooling, and manufacturing readiness.
• Lead customer alignment meetings and technical interface activities.

Lead Packaging CAD Engineer – Exteriors & Interiors at CEER (2024-01 – 2025-01)

• Delivered packaging feasibility and engineering integration for EV programs.
• Collaborated with design teams to resolve engineering and legislative constraints.
• Prepared CAD models and engineering presentations supporting design development.

Lead Studio CAD Engineer – Front End Exteriors at GEELY (2023-01 – 2023-12)

• Led concept feasibility and front-end packaging integration.
• Worked directly with design teams to resolve design and engineering conflicts.
• Supported manufacturing feasibility and production readiness activities.

Manager – BIW, Interiors, Doors & Closures at VINFAST (2021-01 – 2023-12)

• Managed BIW and closure system design, release, feasibility, and engineering changes.
• Led packaging studies, prototype builds, and launch support.
• Supported DFMEA, DVP, MBOM, BOP, and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
• Mentored engineering teams and coordinated supplier activities.

Lead Studio CAD Engineer – Exteriors at RIVIAN (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Led exterior rear-end and load-bed packaging feasibility for EV programs.
• Conducted manufacturing assembly feasibility studies and GA integration reviews.

Lead Studio Engineer – BIW & Exteriors at DYSON (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Supported prototype EV vehicle development from concept engineering through manufacturing feasibility.
• Led cross-functional engineering and manufacturing interface activities.

Studio Engineer – BIW / Exteriors / Interiors at ZOOX (2016-01 – 2018-12)

• Delivered concept packaging feasibility for autonomous vehicle programs.
• Supported supplier coordination and assembly feasibility studies.

Senior Lead Engineer – Exterior Trim at NIO (2015-01 – 2016-12)

• Led exterior trim engineering and packaging activities for EV start-up programs.
• Managed prototype builds, launch support, and supplier coordination.

Lead Engineer / Program Manager at Jaguar Land Rover

Launch Project Engineer at BMW MINI

Project Engineer at Aston Martin

Studio Engineer / Project Engineer at Ford

Advanced Project Management Diploma

Qualified Toolmaker

A-Levels