Engineering Manager - Composites

McLaren Automotive Limited; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Enhanced pension

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical after 2 years

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

McLaren Automotive in the United Kingdom seeks a Composite Engineering Manager to lead the introduction and industrialisation of RTM/HRDM composites from raw materials to moulded output. You will manage engineering delivery from horizon to SOP, ensuring safe, cost-effective processes and McLaren quality standards.

You'll lead a skilled team, drive cross-functional collaboration, and deliver manufacturing readiness, capacity ramp-up and risk mitigation across RTM and pre-preg flows, with a strong

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or related field.
• Significant experience in composite manufacturing, production launch or a high-value environment.
• Experience leading engineering teams and cross-functional delivery through complex launches.
• Experience delivering composite technology or processes from G-2 through SOP and ramp-up.
• Knowledge of APQP, DFMA, PFMEA, virtual builds and readiness reviews.

Responsibilities

• Represent composite engineering in launch and governance forums.
• Lead, coach and develop the composite engineering team.
• Track launch performance, risks and mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional delivery to meet safety, quality, timing and budget targets.
• Deliver manufacturing readiness from G-2 to production handover for RTM/HRDM and pre-preg products.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, people, processes and supply chains are ready and validated for launch.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Production launch

Team leadership

Cross-functional delivery

Problem solving

Data analysis

Supplier management

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

APQP

PFMEA

Virtual builds

DMAIC

Capacity ramp planning

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Engineering Launch , the Composite Engineering Manager leads the introduction and industrialisation of composite technologies , material s , equipment an d processes at MCTC. The role covers both RTM products, including the HRDM flow, and pre- preg products from raw material receipt and preparation through to the completed moulded state. This includes cutting and kitting, preforming or lay-up, mould preparation, injection or vacuum bagging, moulding, cure and demoulding. Finishing and other post-mould processes are out of scope. The role manages engineering delivery from horizon ( G ‑ 2) to Start of Production (SOP), ensuring safe, capable and cost-effective processes are delivered on time and to McLaren quality standards .

What You'll Do

• R epresent composite engineerin g in launch and business governance forums , escalating strategic decisions to the Head of Engineering Launch.
• Lead, coach and develop the composite engineering team.
• Track launch performance, risks, issues and mitigation plans, supporting programme governance and reporting.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering delivery to achieve safety, quality, timing and budget targets.
• Deliver manufacturing readiness from G ‑ 2 to production handover for RTM/HRDM and pre- preg products.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, people, processe s and supply chains are ready and validate d for launch .
• Lead manufacturing feasibility , capacity plannin g and production ramp-up within the defined process scope .
• Manage the introduction and industrialisation of CAPEX, materials, equipment and manufacturing technologies across the RTM / HRDM and pre- preg flows .
• Ensure Design for Manufacture ( D F M ), PFMEA and APQP activities are completed , with processes capable of meeting agreed Takt times , quality and capacity targets .
• Identify technical, operational and supply chain risks , and implement effective mitigation plans .
• Manage assigned launch budgets, forecasts and capital proposals.
• Develop product and process cost models to support business cases and programme decisions .
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements across all in-scope activities.

What You'll Bring

Education:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience:

• Significant experience in composite manufacturing , production launch or a comparable high - value environment .
• Experience leading engineering teams and cross-functional delivery through complex product or process launches.
• Proven delivery of composite technology or process programm e s from G ‑ 2 through SOP and production ramp-up .
• Practical experience of APQP, DVA, D F M , PFMEA, virtual builds, readiness reviews and capacity ramp planning .
• Experience introducing CAPEX and industrialising material s , equipment and technologies across RTM and pre- preg manufacturing .
• Experience developing cost models and supporting capital proposals.
• Able to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Technical & process skills:

• Strong knowledge of RTM , HRDM and pre- preg materials and processes , including material preparation , cutting and kitting , preforming or lay-up , mould preparation , injection or vacuum bagging , cure, demoulding and associated automation.
• Sound technical judgement and the ability to assess manufacturing feasibility and make timely decisions .
• Skilled in structured problem-solving and process improvement methods, including DMAIC, the seven quality tools and SIPOC.
• Competent in risk management, production data analysi s and performance measurement .
• Experience working with external suppliers and managing supplier readiness activities.

Personal Attributes:

• An effective leader who coaches others and builds strong cross-functional and supplier relationships.
• Motivated , resilien t and pragmatic, with a dat a - driven approach .
• A clear communicator who can explain technical and commercial issues at all levels .
• A logical proble m -solver with strong attention to detail .
• Delivery- focused, with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement .
• Collaborative, trustworthy and credible under pressure.
• S afe y - focused and p r oactiv e in resolving issues.

What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

• 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus award
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance benefit
• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• Generous parental leave policies
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice

Who Are We?

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks.

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.