Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

McLaren; Woking; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced company pension

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option after 2 years

Wellbeing programmes

Job summary

McLaren Automotive in Woking seeks a Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer to define and deliver the assembly manufacturing system for a low-volume powertrain line. You will shape plant architecture, automate strategies, and drive safety, quality, throughput and lifecycle cost targets from launch through ramp-up.

Key duties include end-to-end process architecture, line layouts, tooling specs, and integration with MES.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience delivering full production launches from concept to ramp-up.
• Strong knowledge of assembly line design, tooling, and automation suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end assembly process architecture and line layouts.
• Lead development of takt-time models, staffing assumptions, and scalability plans.
• Integrate manufacturing processes with MES and digital production systems for traceability.
• Approve tooling specifications and manage automation suppliers.
• Drive Lean Production Systems and design-for-manufacture improvements.
• Support pilot builds, early production trials, and ramp-up activities.
• Lead problem solving and root-cause analysis during launch.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Facilities, Quality and Production Operations.

Job description

Job TitlePowertrain Manufacturing EngineerRef #59004Date postedTuesday, April 28, 2026CountryUnited KingdomLocationWokingBusiness areaManufacturingDepartmentManufacturing EngineeringPosition level5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-15)Working timeFull TimeContract typePermanentWorking pattern9am - 6pm Monday to FridaySalaryN/AWhat to ExpectThe Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for defining, developing, and delivering key elements of an assembly manufacturing system for a low volume Powertrain assembly and test facility. The role ensures the powertrain design is translated into a robust, scalable, safe, and cost-efficient production system capable of meeting quality, on time delivery, and lifecycle cost targets from launch through full-rate production.This position starts with the assembly line concept development through to equipment specification, installation, commissioning, and production ramp-up, and plays a critical role in shaping plant architecture, automation strategy, and manufacturing standards.What You'll Do**Manufacturing System Design*** Define the end-to-end assembly process architecture, including process flow, line segmentation, in station process control and automation strategy.* Lead development of assembly line layouts, takt-time models, staffing assumptions, and scalability plans.* Ensure manufacturing solutions achieve safety, quality, throughput, flexibility, and cost targets.* Drive design-for-manufacture improvements with product engineering teams.* Develop and implement Lean Production Systems.* Define and integrate manufacturing processes with MES and digital production systems to ensure traceability, process control, and real-time performance monitoring.**Tooling, Equipment, and Automation*** Approve specifications for assembly tooling, fastening systems, fixtures, and equipment.* Lead technical selection and governance of automation integrators and equipment suppliers.* Participate in engineering design reviews and ensure readiness for factory and site acceptance testing.* Ensure equipment designs support maintainability, reliability, and operational efficiency.**Quality Integration and Process Robustness*** Embed quality-by-design principles into all assembly processes.* Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and error-proofing strategies.* Ensure traceability, joint control, leak testing, cleanliness control, and inspection systems are properly specified.* Partner with Quality team to deliver first-time-through and warranty performance targets.* Control of change management for product and process.* Use digital manufacturing tools and simulation to validate line capacity, process flow, ergonomics, and automation strategies prior to equipment installation**Launch and Production Readiness*** Perform assembly engineering activities through installation, commissioning, and run-at-rate validation.* Support pilot builds, early production trials, and ramp-up stabilisation activities.* Drive rapid root-cause resolution of process or equipment issues during launch.* Ensure assembly processes achieve takt, yield, and safety targets within agreed timelines.**Team Leadership and Capability Building*** Contribute to a high-performing assembly and test engineering team covering process, tooling, and industrial engineering disciplines.* Establish engineering standards, documentation practices, and continuous improvement routines.* Implement safe systems of work and positive safety culture* Drive ergonomic improvements in the workplace* Responsible for compliance with all required regulations and policies* Implement structured problem solving techniques for robust issue resolution**Cross-Functional Collaboration*** Work closely with Product Engineering, Facilities, Maintenance, Logistics, Digital/MES, Quality, and Production Operations to ensure full system integration.* Support capital investment planning, cost justification, and programme governance reviews.* Contribute to governance of current and future projects.What You'll Bring**Required Experience*** Extensive experience in powertrain manufacturing engineering within high-volume precision mechanical assembly.* Proven track record delivering at least one full production launch from concept through commissioning and ramp-up.* Experience designing assembly lines, specifying equipment, and managing automation or tooling suppliers.* Strong background collaborating with product engineering on design-for-manufacture improvements.* Experience resolving launch and early production challenges in complex manufacturing environments.**Required Skills and Competencies****Technical Expertise*** Deep knowledge of assembly process design, line balancing, and production flow optimisation.* Strong understanding of torque-controlled fastening, sealing processes, precision component assembly, leak testing and End of Line testing.* Experience implementing error-proofing systems and robust traceability solutions.* Familiarity with industrial engineering methods including standard work design, ergonomics, and productivity modelling.* Ability to evaluate equipment concepts, supplier proposals, and automation architectures.**Leadership and Delivery*** Systems-level thinking across manufacturing, test, facilities, logistics, maintenance, and digital infrastructure.* Strong decision-making capability in high-pressure launch environments.* Effective cross functional stakeholder engagement.* Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical decisions into business impact.**Education and Qualifications*** Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).* Advanced technical or management qualifications are desirable but not essential.What We'll Do for YouWe offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:* Structured career development framework* 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 adviceWho 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.