McLaren

 Manufacturing System Design

• Define the end-to-end assembly process architecture, including process flow, line segmentation, in station process control and automation strategy.
• Lead development of assembly line layouts, takt-time models, staffing assumptions, and scalability plans.
• Ensure manufacturing solutions achieve safety, quality, throughput, flexibility, and cost targets.
• Drive design-for-manufacture improvements with product engineering teams.
• Develop and implement Lean Production Systems.
• Define and integrate manufacturing processes with MES and digital production systems to ensure traceability, process control, and real-time performance monitoring.

Tooling, Equipment, and Automation

• Approve specifications for assembly tooling, fastening systems, fixtures, and equipment.
• Lead technical selection and governance of automation integrators and equipment suppliers.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and ensure readiness for factory and site acceptance testing.
• Ensure equipment designs support maintainability, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Quality Integration and Process Robustness

• Embed quality-by-design principles into all assembly processes.
• Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and error-proofing strategies.
• Ensure traceability, joint control, leak testing, cleanliness control, and inspection systems are properly specified.
• Partner with Quality team to deliver first-time-through and warranty performance targets.
• Control of change management for product and process.
• Use digital manufacturing tools and simulation to validate line capacity, process flow, ergonomics, and automation strategies prior to equipment installation

Launch and Production Readiness

• Perform assembly engineering activities through installation, commissioning, and run-at-rate validation.
• Support pilot builds, early production trials, and ramp-up stabilisation activities.
• Drive rapid root-cause resolution of process or equipment issues during launch.
• Ensure assembly processes achieve takt, yield, and safety targets within agreed timelines.

Team Leadership and Capability Building

• Contribute to a high-performing assembly and test engineering team covering process, tooling, and industrial engineering disciplines.
• Establish engineering standards, documentation practices, and continuous improvement routines.
• Implement safe systems of work and positive safety culture
• Drive ergonomic improvements in the workplace
• Responsible for compliance with all required regulations and policies
• Implement structured problem solving techniques for robust issue resolution

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Engineering, Facilities, Maintenance, Logistics, Digital/MES, Quality, and Production Operations to ensure full system integration.
• Support capital investment planning, cost justification, and programme governance reviews.
• Contribute to governance of current and future projects.

Required Experience

• Extensive experience in powertrain manufacturing engineering within high-volume precision mechanical assembly.
• Proven track record delivering at least one full production launch from concept through commissioning and ramp-up.
• Experience designing assembly lines, specifying equipment, and managing automation or tooling suppliers.
• Strong background collaborating with product engineering on design-for-manufacture improvements.
• Experience resolving launch and early production challenges in complex manufacturing environments.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of assembly process design, line balancing, and production flow optimisation.
• Strong understanding of torque-controlled fastening, sealing processes, precision component assembly, leak testing and End of Line testing.
• Experience implementing error-proofing systems and robust traceability solutions.
• Familiarity with industrial engineering methods including standard work design, ergonomics, and productivity modelling.
• Ability to evaluate equipment concepts, supplier proposals, and automation architectures.

Leadership and Delivery

• Systems-level thinking across manufacturing, test, facilities, logistics, maintenance, and digital infrastructure.
• Strong decision-making capability in high-pressure launch environments.
• Effective cross functional stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical decisions into business impact.

Education and Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced technical or management qualifications are desirable but not essential.