Job Title
Powertrain Testing Engineer
Ref #
59163
Date posted
Friday, June 5, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Milton Keynes
Business area
R&D
Department
Powertrain Transmission
Position level
5 - Supervisory / Professional​ - (L-15)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
Salary
.
What to Expect
As a Powertrain Mechanical Development Engineer, you will develop, test, and refine McLaren Powertrains in all applications.
What You'll Do
• Develop test strategies to make the most efficient use of the test facilities
• Advise on improvements or contribute in design meetings to help with the development process
• Understand the peculiarities and interactions of the hardware, based on experience, and can begin to mitigate future issues
• Own the plan for Mech Dev, in conjunction with the design team. Ensure the plan is communicated for relevant stakeholders
• Support junior engineers in developing correct methodologies for calibration and engine control tasks
• Support the system and design engineers to develop the testing technical specifications. Senior Base Mapping will be developing the mapping tech specs with direction from the Principal and other controls team members.
• Responsible for ensuring all processes are followed and acting as a lead in running the test cells. Senior engineer supports QCR cascade and sign-off for action.
• Build all of the relevant tests into a scheduled plan, in conjunction with the Principal Engineer and Development Manager. Relevant QCR's need to be raised to capture all concerns.
• Responsible for supporting the test cells through calibration and instrumentation management. Needs to ensure all tests are performed will all instrumentation working.
• Ensure all lessons learned are captured and coordinated for future use. Build into the role the ability to update and feedback engine build book and other design-for-assembly related issues up to the supplier and appropriate system engineers.
• Provide feedback on how the engine was running and what occurred during tear-down. Liaise with the design team in ensuring that any build issues or tear-down issues are captured through QCR's or other forums.
• Lead the testing improvements through planning and a long-term vision
• Work with calibration engineers to ensure a cohesive test plan that can cover base mapping requirements but also mechanical development.
• Develop junior engineers and teams to realise their potential in both the role and skill sets applicable outside calibration

What You'll Bring
• Detailed knowledge of hardware and their functions from a theoretical level and how they function into the powertrain
• Extensive knowledge of engine development processes and time-saving tools to run an efficient test cell
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
• Well-versed in applications like Matlab, AVL Concerto, AVL CRETA, AVL CAMEO, AVL Puma, AVL Indicom, Sierra Cadet, Horiba Emissions Analysers, ETAS INCA.
• Established aptitude in using and understanding test cell instrumentation and their limitations in explaining fluids and materials in a calibration environment
• Demonstrated evidence of experience in developing and calibrating a new platform of hardware and software for an ICE in a financially and time-constrained delivery
• Expert level comprehension of combustion fundamentals and interactions along with experience of calibrating around system-level anomalies to deliver a well-defined engine
• Documented proof of practice showing novel ideas for improved combustion management for a variety of uses including high-performance sports cars
• Must have a full, clean driving license

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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