Virtual Build Engineer

McLaren Racing; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer is seeking an engineer to enhance the Virtual Build process for new models. The role involves collaborating with design and engineering teams, leading Virtual Build events, and validating tooling and fixtures. Candidates should hold a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, have experience with CAD systems like CATIA, and possess strong project management and communication skills. A flexible approach to travel is required.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced company pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Generous parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Experience with 3D CAD systems, particularly CATIA V5 or V6.
• Flexibility to travel to off-site development facilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Own and continually improve the Virtual Build process.
• Chair and deliver Virtual Build events.
• Support the validation of bespoke jigs and fixtures.

Skills

3D CAD systems

Project management

Microsoft Office suite

Vehicle assembly process

Data analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in mechanical/automotive engineering

Job description

Our Manufacturing Engineering team are growing to support our business plan. New Models mean more opportunity to develop and create processes and standardisation around how we perfect each and every model we build. This role is crucial to the success of our Manufacturing operations, as you will be responsible for carrying out Virtual Build events and Manufacturing feasibility DMU analysis for all new projects, including all potential variants. You will own the Virtual Build process and ensure its continued development. In this role, you will have plenty of variety – everyone in the team will have a wide exposure to the business, including interfacing with concept design and engineering teams across multiple projects, you will witness and influence projects from beginning to end.

What You’ll Do

• Own and continually improve the Virtual Build process & execution
• Carry out fitment studies for vehicle components
• Validate tooling access to fasteners based on build level
• Influence design package to solve Virtual Build items
• Support the validation of bespoke jigs and fixtures
• Perform virtual ergonomic checks – e.g. reachability of a line operator
• Create and manage Virtual Build timing plans to ensure MDP deliverables are met
• Review vehicle specific BOMs (E‑BOM and M‑BOM) prior to Virtual Build events
• Liaise with the Manufacturing Engineering teams to allocate build stations for each vehicle component
• Chair and deliver Virtual Build events with support of all key business stakeholders
• Collate and issue Virtual Status reports with findings from each Virtual Build event
• Obtain feedback and manage resolution for all open Virtual Build items
• Lead design reviews as business requirements arise
• Build digital vehicle assemblies for internal use & supplier engagement
• Lead PLM system upgrade / improvement activities on behalf of the Manufacturing Engineering team

Support & Influence Cross‑Functional Activities

• Concept / Design Reviews
• Engineering release delivery
• PFMEA & DFMEA

Qualifications

A degree in mechanical / automotive engineering or similar or equivalent experience in a similar role.

• 3D CAD systems essential (knowledge of CATIA V5 or V6 & VPM / 3DX is desirable)

Ideal Experience

• Project management
• Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Vehicle assembly process
• Identifying resolutions for product related issues, ensuring all quality targets are achieved
• Implementation of safe working practices
• Display a positive attitude and practice strong work ethics that reflects the mission, philosophy and goals of McLaren.
• As one of our engineers you will naturally have an understanding and appreciation for low volume, high value performance vehicle production and brand requirements.
• We work in a fast‑paced environment so the ability to act under pressure with calmness, clarity of thought and decisive authority is crucial. Change is a natural part of our business and candidates must be agile to plans and procedures changing.
• You will need to travel to off‑site development facilities, within the UK and throughout Europe, therefore a flexible approach to travel is required.
• You will have the determination to drive forward the business to 'Best in Class' performance standards in line with brand expectations and be a lateral thinker able to think outside of the box to make structured and objective decisions.
• Other traits of a successful McLaren employee will include excellent communication skills both written and verbal, to all levels of the business, excellent attention to detail and strong data analysis skills including the use of all Microsoft Office applications, specifically with Microsoft Excel.

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.

What We’ll Do for You

• 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 advice