Senior Composite Design Engineer

Arrow McLaren IndyCar; Durnford Farm; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Car schemes

Life insurance

Generous pension contributions

Job summary

Arrow McLaren IndyCar in Durnford Farm seeks a design engineer to lead the conceptual and detailed design of composite and metallic race car components. Your contributions will be critical to the car's performance on track.

The ideal candidate will have experience in an F1 environment and proficiency in CAD software. The role provides a dynamic work environment at McLaren's state-of-the-art campus near Woking, which includes excellent facilities and benefits.

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.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-performance outcomes.
• Lead reliability investigations and design effective solutions.

Skills

Design composite and metallic race car components

Strong knowledge of race car systems

High proficiency in CATIA 3DExp or similar CAD software

Proven experience within an F1 or high-performance design environment

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Job description

Purpose of the role

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

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

What can McLaren offer?

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state‑of‑the‑art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break‑out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30‑minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.