Materials Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday plus bank holiday

Enhanced company pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Woking is seeking Graduates for the Materials Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026. This two-year rotational program offers hands-on experience in materials development for high-performance vehicles, providing opportunities to enhance technical skills and contribute directly to innovative projects. Ideal candidates will have a passion for engineering and a relevant degree. Competitive benefits and professional development activities are included.

Qualifications

• On track to achieve a 2:1 or above in a relevant degree.
• Passion for high-performance vehicle design and engineering.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and validation of materials.
• Work on real projects alongside industry-leading engineers.
• Create technical documents and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

CAD software experience

Laboratory techniques

Education

Relevant Materials Engineering/Science degree (UK)

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Materials Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026 role at McLaren Automotive Ltd.

We are recruiting talented and driven Graduates to join our world-class laboratory Materials Engineering team at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey. As a Materials Engineering Graduate, you will play a key role in analysing and developing materials for the next generation of McLaren’s high-performance vehicles, pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, performance and quality.

This is a two-year rotational programme (4 x 6-month placements) designed to give you broad experience across materials within McLaren’s Engineering function. You’ll work on real projects, alongside industry-leading engineers, developing your technical expertise, creativity, and leadership skills—preparing you for a future permanent role within Materials.

Please note this is an on-site position.

What You’ll Do

Through four diverse rotations, you will gain hands-on experience of materials development within McLaren’s Engineering teams. You will contribute directly to the development, validation and enhancement of materials across all our supercars. Potential areas of focus include:

• Providing rapid troubleshooting and failure analysis service relating to components, production and processes
• Using test and analytical equipment to progress material investigations for all function groups
• Create technical documents and reports
• Working with subject matter experts to help improve their processes with material data
• Use the following analytical techniques: microscopy, SEM/EDX, FTIR, Tensile testing, DSC/TGA, NDT techniques, etc.
• Providing materials expertise for supplier audits

Alongside your rotations, you’ll take part in professional development activities, innovation challenges, and knowledge-sharing sessions to sharpen your technical capability and leadership potential.

What You’ll Bring

• On track to achieve, or have achieved, a 2:1 or above in a relevant Materials Engineering/Science degree at a UK university.
• Passion for high-performance vehicle design, engineering, and innovation.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team.
• Experience with laboratory techniques, fractography analysis, material characterisation equipment and CAD software

You must also bring a passion for cars, and a desire to work at the cutting edge of the automotive industry within our Quality business area

Personal Attributes

• Engineering mindset – a passion for precision, performance, and problem-solving.
• Innovation drive – enthusiasm for creating and refining cutting-edge engineering solutions.
• Attention to detail – meticulous in design, analysis, and documentation.
• Continuous improvement focus – motivated to challenge the status quo and seek better ways of working.
• Adaptability – comfortable working across different technical disciplines and project phases.
• Collaboration – strong team player, building productive relationships across disciplines.
• Resilience – thrives in high-pressure, time-critical situations.
• Ownership – takes responsibility and follows through on commitments.
• Clear communication – able to explain complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Passion for performance engineering – aligned with McLaren’s vision and dedication to excellence.

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
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
• Opportunities to experience our fantastic cars

*Qualifying criteria applies

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.

Additional information

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Contract

Job function: Engineering, Research, and Manufacturing

Industries: Automotive, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, and Manufacturing

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.