Senior Manufacturing Engineers (Permanent) in Surrey, Woking

Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer Manufacturing Manufacturing Engineering Full Time Contract type Permanent 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is accountable for the end-to-end definition, delivery, and continuous evolution of advanced assembly manufacturing systems for a low-volume, high-value powertrain facility. This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction across manufacturing engineering, ensuring product designs are translated into world-class, scalable, and digitally enabled production systems that achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability targets across the full product lifecycle. Operating at a systems level, the role shapes plant architecture, automation strategy, and industrialisation roadmaps, while leading cross-functional integration from early concept through launch and into operational excellence. Manufacturing System Strategy & Architecture • Own and define the end-to-end manufacturing system architecture, including process design, automation strategy, plant layout, and digital integration. • Develop and govern long-term manufacturing strategies, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and alignment with future product and technology roadmaps. • Drive design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly (DfM/DfA) at programme level, influencing product architecture decisions. • Champion implementation of advanced Lean Production Systems and continuous improvement frameworks. • Define and lead integration of MES, digital twins, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enable traceability, analytics, and real-time control. Lead specification, selection, and validation of complex automated systems and precision assembly technologies. • Oversee design reviews, FAT/SAT readiness, and technical risk mitigation. • Drive innovation in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions to enhance capability and competitiveness. • Quality, Process Robustness & Compliance • Lead deployment of quality-by-design principles across manufacturing systems. • Ensure robust implementation of traceability, torque control, leak testing, cleanliness, and end-of-line validation systems. • Utilise digital manufacturing and simulation tools to validate processes prior to implementation. Programme Delivery & Launch Excellence • Lead manufacturing engineering delivery through concept, industrialisation, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up. • Provide senior technical leadership during launch, ensuring rapid issue resolution and risk mitigation. • Oversee pilot builds, run-at-rate validation, and production readiness. • Leadership, Governance & Capability Development • Provide technical and functional leadership to manufacturing engineering teams across process, tooling, and industrial engineering disciplines. • Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks. • Mentor and develop engineers, building organisational capability and succession strength. • Lead implementation of structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Ensure full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and corporate standards. Cross-Functional & Business Integration • Act as a key interface across Product Engineering, Operations, Quality, Digital, Facilities, and Supply Chain. • Drive alignment between manufacturing capability and future product innovation. • Contribute to enterprise-level manufacturing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives. Required Experience • Significant experience in powertrain or precision mechanical manufacturing.• Proven leadership delivering multiple full production launches from concept through ramp-up. • Demonstrated experience in leading complex manufacturing programmes or technical teams. • Strong background in automation, advanced assembly systems, and supplier management. • Experience influencing product design and manufacturing strategy at programme level. • Track record of resolving complex technical and operational challenges in high-performance environments. Required Skills and Competencies Technical Expertise • Deep expertise in assembly system design, line balancing, and production optimisation. • Advanced knowledge of precision assembly processes (fastening, sealing, testing, validation). • Strong understanding of digital manufacturing, MES integration, and simulation tools. • Expertise in process capability, variation control, and manufacturing analytics. Leadership & Strategic Capability • Strong systems thinking across manufacturing, facilities, logistics, and digital ecosystems. • Ability to translate technical strategy into business value and performance outcomes. Education and Qualifications • Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience). • MSc, MBA, Six Sigma Black Belt) are advantageous. Success Measures (Indicative) • Delivery of manufacturing systems aligned to strategic, cost, and performance targets. • Successful launch with stable, scalable, and high-quality production performance. • Demonstrated continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing capability. • Development of high-performing engineering teams and robust engineering standards. Location & Travel • Based at the McLaren Technology Centre. • Regular travel to suppliers, partners, and global engineering sites as required We offer a wide - ranging benefits package, which includes:Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ serviceBenefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.It takes a community to do what we do. 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.