Chief Powertrain Engineering Leader: Strategy & Delivery

McLaren; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension

Private medical insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Life assurance

Sabbatical after 2 years

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

McLaren in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Powertrain Engineering to define and execute the strategic direction for ICE powertrains and transmission systems across current and future programs. You will lead multiple engineering teams and own end-to-end delivery from concept to production launch.

The role requires deep technical expertise in combustion, engine calibration and integration, and a track record of delivering complex powertrain projects in high-performance automotive

Qualifications

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading ICE powertrain development within a high-performance automotive environment.
• Proven track record delivering complex engine and transmission programmes from concept through production.
• Deep expertise in combustion systems, engine architecture, induction systems, fuel systems, thermal systems, calibration and powertrain integration.
• Significant experience managing strategic engineering partners and externally sourced technology programmes.
• Demonstrated success leading large multidisciplinary engineering organisations through managers.

Responsibilities

• Act as the organisation's senior technical authority for powertrain engineering and ICE propulsion systems.
• Define and maintain the long-term powertrain technology roadmap aligned to vehicle, brand and business strategy.
• Establish engineering standards, methodologies and governance processes across all powertrain activities.
• Provide independent technical judgement on critical programme decisions, technology investments and engineering trade-offs.
• Drive innovation in engine performance, combustion efficiency, vehicle character, durability and customer experience.
• Accountable for successful delivery of complete powertrain systems across all vehicle programmes.
• Ensure achievement of all programme targets relating to power, torque, emissions, durability, weight, cost and timing.
• Lead resolution of complex technical issues impacting programme delivery and product performance.
• Ensure robust integration of powertrain systems into vehicle programmes through close collaboration with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and Quality functions.
• Provide executive-level reporting on programme status, risks, opportunities and resource requirements.
• Define and execute the organisation's external powertrain partnership strategy.
• Lead technical relationships with engine technology partners, specialist engineering consultancies, suppliers and development organisations.
• Establish clear technical requirements, performance targets and deliverables for all engineering partners.
• Ensure effective governance of external development programmes including timing, cost, technical maturity and quality performance.
• Act as sponsor for key powertrain partnerships and strategic supplier relationships.
• Drive accountability and performance across partner organisations to ensure successful programme outcomes.
• Lead multiple engineering departments through subordinate managers and technical leaders.
• Integrate activities across design, systems engineering, calibration, validation and programme delivery teams.
• Allocate resources across competing programmes and strategic priorities.
• Ensure engineering capability, tools, facilities and processes remain appropriate to support future business requirements.
• Develop and maintain a high-performance engineering organisation focused on technical excellence and delivery.

Skills

ICE powertrain development

Engine calibration

Engine architecture

Induction systems

Fuel systems

Thermal management

Powertrain integration

External partnerships

Leadership of large teams

Education

Degree or postgraduate in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Job description

McLaren in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Powertrain Engineering to define and execute the strategic direction for ICE powertrains and transmission systems across current and future programs. You will lead multiple engineering teams and own end-to-end delivery from concept to production launch.

The role requires deep technical expertise in combustion, engine calibration and integration, and a track record of delivering complex powertrain projects in high-performance automotive