Job Title
Materials Engineer
Ref #
58854
Date posted
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Quality
Department
Perceived Quality
Position level
5 - Supervisory / Professional​ - (L-15)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Fixed Term Contract
Duration
24 month FTC
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
What to Expect
As a Materials Engineer, you will support the examination, measurement, and analysis of component materials to ensure they meet McLaren Automotive’s uncompromising quality standards. This role focuses on developing your technical skills and contributing to material testing and failure analysis activities. You will work closely with experienced engineers, supporting design and production teams with material data and insights within a fast-growing, high-performance automotive environment.  

Please note is a 24 month fixed term contract
What You'll Do
  • Support material investigations, including root cause analysis of failure mechanisms and performance degradation.  
  • Carry out material testing strategies, covering tensile, impact, fatigue, corrosion resistance, and thermal property evaluations.  
  • Assist with sample preparation and microstructural analysis.  
  • Provide material test data and observations to support engineering and design teams.  
  • Support communication with suppliers to gather material information and confirm compliance within material specifications.  
  • Prepare clear technical reports and recommendations to stakeholders, influencing product development and validation strategies.  
  • Contribute to process improvements in material analysis processes, and help implement new tools or methods where appropriate.  
  • Collaborate with team members, mentor early career students within the team. 

What You'll Bring

Technical Competencies 

  • Bachelors, Masters or PhD in Materials Engineering, Materials Science or related field 
  • Some industrial experience; internship, placement, etc. preferably in the Automotive or Aerospace industry 
  • Basic understanding of failure mechanisms, fatigue behaviour, and environmental degradation of all material types 
  • Familiarity of material testing techniques 
  • Awareness of quality standards and engineering best practices 
  • Comprehensive understanding of what materials are used in the automotive sector (metallics, polymers, etc.) 
  • Interest in developing deeper knowledge of failure mechanisms 


Business Knowledge 

  • Awareness of manufacturing processes and their relevance to automotive applications 
  • Basic understanding of supply chain considerations (can be developed on the job) 
  • Proficiency in CAD and other engineering software tools 

 Interpersonal Skills 

  • Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging stakeholders within engineering teams 
  • Curious mindset with a desire to learn and grow 
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks and stay organised 
  • Collaborative approach and willingness to support team objectives 
  • Flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs and technological advancements. 

What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

  • Structured career development framework
  • 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
Who Are We?

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren 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. 

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. 

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