Engineering Manager - Composites

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Sheffield (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option after 2 years

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Ltd seeks a Composite Engineering Manager to lead the introduction and industrialisation of composite technologies from RTM to pre-preg, ensuring readiness from G-2 through SOP and ramp-up. You will drive cross-functional delivery, manage risks and collaborate with suppliers to meet takt times and quality standards.

You will guide a talented team, foster innovation, and ensure health and safety compliance while delivering cost-effective solutions in a high-value manufacturing

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in composite manufacturing and production launches.
• Experience leading engineering teams and cross-functional delivery.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, DFM, readiness reviews and capacity ramping.
• Experience introducing CAPEX and industrialising materials, equipment and technologies across RTM and pre-preg.

Responsibilities

• Represent composite engineering in launch governance forums.
• Lead and develop the composite engineering team.
• Track launch performance, risks and mitigations.
• Coordinate cross-functional delivery to meet safety, quality, timing and budget.
• Deliver manufacturing readiness from G-2 to SOP and ramp-up.
• Lead CAPEX and manufacturing tech introductions.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Production launch

Team leadership

APQP PFMEA

Risk management

Education

Degree in Engineering or materials science

Job description

What to Expect

Reporting to the Head of Engineering Launch, the Composite Engineering Manager leads the introduction and industrialisation of composite technologies, materials, equipment and processes at MCTC. The role covers both RTM products, including the HRDM flow, and pre-preg products from raw material receipt and preparation through to the completed moulded state. This includes cutting and kitting, preforming or lay-up, mould preparation, injection or vacuum bagging, moulding, cure and demoulding. Finishing and other post-mould processes are out of scope. The role manages engineering delivery from horizon (G-2) to Start of Production (SOP), ensuring safe, capable and cost-effective processes are delivered on time and to McLaren quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Represent composite engineering in launch and business governance forums, escalating strategic decisions to the Head of Engineering Launch.
• Lead, coach and develop the composite engineering team.
• Track launch performance, risks, issues and mitigation plans, supporting programme governance and reporting.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering delivery to achieve safety, quality, timing and budget targets.
• Deliver manufacturing readiness from G-2 to production handover for RTM/HRDM and pre-preg products.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, people, processes and supply chains are ready and validated for launch.
• Lead manufacturing feasibility, capacity planning and production ramp-up within the defined process scope.
• Manage the introduction and industrialisation of CAPEX, materials, equipment and manufacturing technologies across the RTM/HRDM and pre-preg flows.
• Ensure Design for Manufacture (DFM), PFMEA and APQP activities are completed, with processes capable of meeting agreed Takt times, quality and capacity targets.
• Identify technical, operational and supply chain risks, and implement effective mitigation plans.
• Manage assigned launch budgets, forecasts and capital proposals.
• Develop product and process cost models to support business cases and programme decisions.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements across all in-scope activities.

What You'll Bring

Education:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience:

• Significant experience in composite manufacturing, production launch or a comparable high-value environment.
• Experience leading engineering teams and cross-functional delivery through complex product or process launches.
• Proven delivery of composite technology or process programmes from G-2 through SOP and production ramp-up.
• Practical experience of APQP, DVA, DFM, PFMEA, virtual builds, readiness reviews and capacity ramp planning.
• Experience introducing CAPEX and industrialising materials, equipment and technologies across RTM and pre-preg manufacturing.
• Experience developing cost models and supporting capital proposals.
• Able to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Technical & process skills:

• Strong knowledge of RTM, HRDM and pre-preg materials and processes, including material preparation, cutting and kitting, preforming or lay-up, mould preparation, injection or vacuum bagging, cure, demoulding and associated automation.
• Sound technical judgement and the ability to assess manufacturing feasibility and make timely decisions.
• Skilled in structured problem-solving and process improvement methods, including DMAIC, the seven quality tools and SIPOC.
• Competent in risk management, production data analysis and performance measurement.
• Experience working with external suppliers and managing supplier readiness activities.

Personal Attributes:

• An effective leader who coaches others and builds strong cross-functional and supplier relationships.
• Motivated, resilient and pragmatic, with a data-driven approach.
• A clear communicator who can explain technical and commercial issues at all levels.
• A logical problem-solver with strong attention to detail.
• Delivery-focused, with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative, trustworthy and credible under pressure.
• Safety-focused and proactive in resolving issues.

What We'll Do for You

We 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 advice

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.