At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of advanced manufacturing systems for high-performance powertrains.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a structured career development framework.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge automotive engineering and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering and significant experience in powertrain manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Job Title
Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer
Ref #
59056
Date posted
Friday, May 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
- Business area
- Manufacturing
- Department
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Position level
- 5 - Supervisory / Professional
- Working time
- Full Time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Working pattern
- 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
- Salary
- N/A
- What to Expect
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.
What You'll Do
- 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.
- Lead development of line concepts, takt strategies, capacity models, and industrialisation plans.
- Drive design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly (Df M/Df A) 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.
- Technical Leadership – Tooling, Equipment & Automation
- Provide technical authority and governance over tooling, equipment, and automation strategy.
- Lead specification, selection, and validation of complex automated systems and precision assembly technologies.
- Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships, including integrators and equipment vendors.
- Oversee design reviews, FAT/SAT readiness, and technical risk mitigation.
- Drive innovation in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions to enhance capability and competitiveness.
- Ensure all systems are designed for reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost optimisation.
- Quality, Process Robustness & Compliance
- Lead deployment of quality-by-design principles across manufacturing systems.
- Own and govern PFMEA, control plans, and error-proofing strategies at system level.
- Ensure robust implementation of traceability, torque control, leak testing, cleanliness, and end-of-line validation systems.
- Drive achievement of first-time-through, warranty, and reliability targets.
- Establish change management governance for product and process evolution.
- 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.
- Ensure achievement of takt, yield, safety, and cost targets within programme timelines.
- Act as a key decision-maker in high-pressure launch environments.
- 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., root cause analysis, Six Sigma approaches).
- Champion health, safety, and ergonomic excellence, embedding a proactive safety culture.
- 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.
- Influence programme strategy, capital investment planning, and business case development.
- Support senior governance reviews and executive decision-making.
- Drive alignment between manufacturing capability and future product innovation.
- Contribute to enterprise-level manufacturing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
- What You'll Bring
- 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.
- Ability to define and evaluate complex automation architectures and emerging technologies.
- Expertise in process capability, variation control, and manufacturing analytics.
- Leadership & Strategic Capability
- Strong systems thinking across manufacturing, facilities, logistics, and digital ecosystems.
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
- Proven decision-making and accountability in complex, high-pressure environments.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including senior leadership engagement.
- Ability to translate technical strategy into business value and performance outcomes.
Education and Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Advanced qualifications (e. g., 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.
- Achievement of first-time-through, warranty, and operational efficiency targets.
- Demonstrated continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing capability.
- Development of high-performing engineering teams and robust engineering standards.
- Location & Travel
- Based at the Mc Laren Technology Centre.
- Regular travel to suppliers, partners, and global engineering sites as required
- What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes: Structured career development framework25 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.
Mc Laren 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.
Mc Laren 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.
Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer in Woking employer: McLaren Group
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. Our Composite Laminating Shift Lead role not only provides competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also allows you to be part of a prestigious brand known for its commitment to high-performance and safety. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you'll collaborate with talented professionals dedicated to excellence, making every day at McLaren a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer 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 Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer 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.
