Compsite Design Engineer

McLaren Automotive Limited; Woking; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Racing in the United Kingdom is seeking a Design Engineer to create conceptual and detailed designs for composite and metallic race car components, as well as related tooling. You will own projects from brief through to delivery, addressing reliability issues with practical, robust solutions.

You will lead projects or small teams, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and follow established processes to push performance while maintaining high quality standards.

Qualifications

• Proven design experience with composite components.
• Experience in Formula 1 or fast-paced design environment.
• Strong knowledge of composite and metallic materials and broad design skills.
• Proficient in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE; Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• A mechanical engineering degree is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for composite and metallic race car components, tooling, jig parts and test jigs.
• Take ownership of design projects from brief to successful delivery at pace and with accuracy.
• Investigate reliability issues and design effective solutions.
• Lead projects or small teams; support and supervise junior colleagues as required.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and follow established processes and best practice.

Skills

Composite design

CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE

Manufacturing techniques

F1 experience

Mechanical engineering

Team leadership

Education

Mechanical engineering degree (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Working within our Chassis team, you will be responsible for the conceptual and detailed design of composite and metallic race car components for the new car and in-season upgrades. You will also design the associated manufacturing tooling and rig parts, investigate reliability issues and develop effective design solutions for the components within your area.

What You'll Do

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for composite and metallic race car components, tooling, jig parts and test jigs.
• Take ownership of design projects from initial brief through to successful delivery, working accurately and at pace.
• Investigate component reliability issues and faults, designing and implementing effective solutions.
• Lead projects or small teams, supporting and supervising junior team members when required.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, contribute to priority projects across other areas of the car and work in line with established processes and best practice.

Company Description

At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring

• Proven design experience and substantial knowledge of composite race car components, their operating environment and associated manufacturing techniques.
• Experience within Formula 1 or a similarly fast-paced and high-performance design environment.
• Excellent knowledge of composite and metallic materials, with a broad design skill set that can be applied across different areas of the car.
• A high level of proficiency in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, supported by practical Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• A degree, HNC or similar qualification in mechanical engineering would be advantageous but is not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive, with the drive to take ownership and meet critical project deadlines.
• A practical problem-solver who uses initiative and remains effective when working autonomously or under pressure.
• A clear communicator who shares information effectively across design and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborative and respectful, with the ability to support colleagues and contribute to shared team goals.
• Meticulous in your approach, ensuring design work is thoroughly considered and accurate before release.

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.
Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we’re committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.