Panel Technician

Panel Technician

Panel Technician | Circa £40,000 + excellent benefits | Permanent | On-site

(Internal job title: Panel Specialist)

The future of automotive collision repair is evolving. As the technologies used in automotive body repair advance, we play an industry leading role in re‑shaping vehicle repair data in the UK. Want to be involved? Come and join us as a Panel Specialist working in our state‑of‑the‑art Research Technology Centre (RTC).

Working at the forefront of automotive repair, and with the very latest automotive designs and technologies, you’ll be responsible for applying your panel repair expertise to conduct research that delivers risk management and vehicle repair data that influences safe, cost‑effective repair for our member insurers and commercial customers.

If you have a passion for the automotive industry, coupled with hands‑on experience as a Panel Technician and are excited by the prospect of working with cutting edge, new vehicle technology then this could be the role for you!

• Conduct research to develop safe and cost‑effective body repair methodologies for vehicles.

• Provide risk management information to member insurers by leveraging your panel expertise to assess vehicle repairs.

• Utilise practical panel skills, including body component removal and refitting, chassis alignment, and hot/cold joining techniques, to contribute to repair research projects for insurers and commercial clients.

• Identify and apply established technologies and methods for comprehensive vehicle panel repair.

• Create body repair manuals for global vehicle manufacturers.

• Previous experience in the motor vehicle repair industry.

• Proficiency in executing all aspects of panel body repair processes based on existing knowledge and experience.

• Familiarity with joining technologies in vehicle body construction, such as hot/cold repairs, rivet and bonding techniques, and carbon/composite constructions.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Recognised motor vehicle certification (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, ATA) would be advantageous.

Join a purpose‑driven organisation at the forefront of automotive and insurance innovation. You’ll work with passionate experts, contribute to industry‑shaping initiatives, and help deliver real value to our Members and Customers.

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

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!

Salary - Circa £40,000 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

• Money health’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

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!)

This role is based on‑site in Thatcham, working in our Repair Technology Centre (RTC).

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.…