At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and improve paint processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading automotive manufacturer in Woking with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy structured career development, 25 days holiday, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production quality and efficiency while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or equivalent experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Job Title
Manufacturing Engineer – Paint (Series Production)
Ref #
59398
Date posted
Monday, August 24, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Manufacturing
Department
Manufacturing Engineering
Position level
5 - Supervisory / Professional
- (L-15)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
7:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Salary
N/A
What to Expect
We are recruiting Paint Manufacturing Engineers for Series Production to join our Manufacturing Engineering department in Woking.
In this role, you will support the day-to-day performance, stability, and continuous improvement of Paint processes within a live production environment, while contributing to quality, cost, delivery, safety, and efficiency objectives.
You will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Production, Maintenance, Materials, and Operations teams to resolve process issues, improve first-time quality, maintain process capability, and support robust series production performance.
What You'll Do
- Provide manufacturing engineering support to Paint series production areas, ensuring processes remain stable, capable, safe, and efficient.
- Investigate and resolve production, quality, and process-related concerns, applying structured problem-solving methods to identify root cause and implement robust corrective actions.
- Monitor process performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement activities to improve first-time quality, throughput, rework levels, and operational efficiency.
- Support Paint Shop readiness for daily production requirements, including process availability, tooling, fixtures, jigs, consumables, and standard operating conditions.
- Maintain and improve paint application methods, process parameters, work instructions, and standardised ways of working.
- Lead or support PFMEA reviews, control plan updates, risk reduction activities, and process change management within the series production environment.
- Work with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to reduce downtime, improve repeatability, and ensure timely resolution of process issues.
- Support facility, layout, and capacity improvement activities to optimise flow, efficiency, and operational performance within Paint.
- Generate, analyse, and report Hours Per Car and other operational performance data to support efficiency tracking, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
- Support part quality maturation, concern containment, escalation, and long-term corrective action to protect customer quality and production delivery.
What You'll Bring
You will ideally hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline, or bring equivalent experience gained in a similar manufacturing engineering role.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous: Manufacturing engineering support within a live series production environment.
Paint application processes, process control, defect reduction, and quality improvement activities.
Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods, such as 5 Why, Ishikawa, 8D, or similar approaches.
PFMEA, control plans, process change control, standard operating procedures, and work instruction development.
Specification, maintenance, and improvement of paint jigs, fixtures, tooling, and process equipment.
Vehicle assembly processes, end-of-line vehicle processing, finishing, rework, or rectification environments.
Continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, cost reduction, throughput improvement, and safe working practices within a manufacturing or production environment.
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes: Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus
Manufacturing Engineer – Paint (Series Production) in Woking employer: McLaren Group
McLaren Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment in Woking, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide structured career development, generous benefits including enhanced pension schemes and flexible lifestyle options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion that fosters a supportive culture. Join our high-performing team and be part of a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer – Paint (Series Production) in Woking
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like McLaren Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer – Paint (Series Production) in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to McLaren Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McLaren Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like McLaren Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.