Lead Composite Design Engineer

Mclaren Racing Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Racing is seeking an experienced design engineer to lead the conceptual and detailed design of composite and metallic race car components, delivering performance-critical parts across bodywork, wings, floor and crash structures. You’ll own design projects from brief to delivery—working at pace and to F1 standards—and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure accuracy and high-performance outcomes.

The role requires a degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering, strong CATIA skills,

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical Engineering or similar.
• Strong knowledge of race car systems and components.
• Deep understanding of composite and metallic materials and manufacturing methods.
• High proficiency in CATIA 3DExp or similar CAD software.
• Proven experience within an F1 or high-performance design environment.

Responsibilities

• Design composite and metallic race car components, tooling, and test jigs.
• Take ownership of design projects from brief to delivery—working at pace and to F1 standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-performance outcomes.
• Lead reliability investigations and design effective solutions.
• Support design activity across multiple areas of the car when required.
• Deliver work in line with best practice processes, ensuring accuracy and performance.

Skills

Race car systems

Composite materials

Metallic materials

CATIA CAD

F1 design experience

High-performance design

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

CATIA 3DExp

Job description

You’ll lead the conceptual and detailed design of composite and metallic race car components—delivering performance-critical parts across bodywork, wings, floor and crash structures. Your work directly contributes to how the car performs on track.

What you’ll do

• Design composite and metallic race car components, tooling, and test jigs
• Take ownership of design projects from brief to delivery—working at pace and to F1 standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-performance outcomes
• Lead reliability investigations and design effective solutions
• Support design activity across multiple areas of the car when required
• Deliver work in line with best practice processes, ensuring accuracy and performance

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

• Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical Engineering or similar
• Strong knowledge of race car systems and components
• Deep understanding of composite and metallic materials and manufacturing methods
• High proficiency in CATIA 3DExp or similar CAD software
• Proven experience within an F1 or high-performance design environment
• Track record of delivering design solutions within this area of the car

Personal attributes

• High levels of drive and self-motivation to deliver against demanding deadlines
• Strong initiative and problem-solving capability
• Clear, confident communication across teams and stakeholders
• Able to work autonomously while contributing to a team-first environment
• Detail-focused with a commitment to accuracy before release
• Performs under pressure, delivering to tight timelines without compromise

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.

Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You'll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.

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.