At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of powertrain hardware and simulation methods to achieve performance targets.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; join us on an exciting journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge automotive technology and lead a talented team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering with strong powertrain experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role leads the definition and delivery of powertrain hardware, controls software, simulation methods and test approaches needed to achieve performance, efficiency and drivability targets. The Lead Engineer drives robust, integrated powertrain development by combining CAE, test and data-led decision-making to reduce risk, improve delivery speed and strengthen in-house capability.
What You'll Do
- Lead the development of simulation models, methods and toolchains that support integrated powertrain and vehicle attribute delivery.
- Lead and develop engineers and graduates, building a high‑performing and capable CAE team.
- Set, agree and review team and individual objectives in line with programme, functional and business priorities.
- Provide regular 1‑2‑1 support, feedback and development planning to help individuals grow capability and performance.
- Develop and enhance in‑house CAE capability, including tools, processes, automation and best practice.
- Define powertrain hardware and controls software requirements to deliver performance, efficiency, drivability and cooling targets.
- Own the powertrain performance attribute and support cross‑functional delivery with vehicle, controls and test teams.
- Lead project activities to meet technical targets, programme timing and gateway deliverables.
- Work with external partners and suppliers to deliver project outcomes on time and to the required standard.
- Support test definition, data analysis and validation activities to improve development quality and speed.
- Prepare and present clear technical updates for internal and external project reviews.
What You'll Bring
- Degree‑qualified in Mechanical, Automotive or a related engineering discipline.
- Strong experience in powertrain simulation, analysis and development, including model architecture, toolchain setup, boundary conditions, data processing and reporting.
- Experience in leading a team of class‑leading engineers.
- Good understanding of powertrain testing, instrumentation, logging, fault analysis and test data interpretation.
- Deep technical knowledge of combustion engines, thermodynamic analysis and modelling techniques, with exposure to hybrid powertrains.
- Experience using advanced powertrain simulation and analysis tools, plus data processing platforms such as MATLAB, MDA, Concerto or Atlas.
- Good understanding of engine control systems and their application in development and validation environments.
- Able to interpret complex technical data, identify root causes and translate findings into practical engineering actions.
What We'll Do for You
- 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.
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.
Lead Engineer, Powertrain CAE in Woking employer: McLaren
At McLaren Automotive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the automotive industry. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us as we lead the way in powertrain engineering, where your contributions will directly impact our mission to deliver cutting-edge performance and efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer, Powertrain CAE in Woking
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like McLaren.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like McLaren love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of McLaren and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer, Powertrain CAE in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for McLaren and the Lead Engineer, Powertrain CAE role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at McLaren.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at McLaren.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with McLaren, making you a more appealing candidate.
