Lead Composite Design Engineer in Woking

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. Everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching and measure your progress in milliseconds, you belong here. High performance starts with you.

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

Job requirements

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 constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part. 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.