General information

Job Title
Senior Design Engineer - Body Structures
Ref #
29823
Date
Monday, March 27, 2023
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
R&D
Department
Body and Chassis - Body In White
Position level
G - Qualified Senior
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday

Description & Requirements

Background

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

With innovation at the core of all we do, every challenge starts with the same question. How can we do it better? This restless spirit runs right through McLaren Automotive. And the search for perfection is evident in everything we do.

Purpose of Role
  • Reporting to the Platform Design Lead, with the guidance of the Principal Design Engineer working on all aspects of Body Structures system design on our future vehicle programmes.
  • Working on a wide range of systems and components such as Carbon Fibre Structures, Monocoques, Aluminium Frames and Front/Rear Crash Structures, utilising lightweight materials and processes such as Carbon Fibre (pre-preg, RTM, SMC) and Aluminium (Extrusions, Castings).
  • CAD modelling and design ownership of a system such as a Monocoque or Rear Frame.
  • “Cradle to Grave” approach – working within a cross functional team from R&D stage, through concept, design release, production launch and series production support to collectively deliver the whole vehicle specification targets and contribute to the overall business KPIs.
  • This role is suitable for hybrid working where you will work onsite as and when required
 
Principal Accountabilities
  • Supporting new platform packaging, early concept & styling feasibility studies and detailed design.
  • Represent the department in design reviews and during test and development activities if required.
  • Liaison with the rest of the design and engineering community, suppliers, manufacturing engineering and R&D team.
  • Design components to meet cost targets while achieving challenging performance attributes and the lowest feasible weight.
  • Coordinate design work to deliver timely design releases.
  • Coordination of design activities carried out in-house and at suppliers.
  • Build support (prototype and production).
  • Supporting problem solving activities.
  • Develop and specify GD&T on CAD models or drawings taking into account all inputs from parts suppliers, assembly processes and Dimension Management studies.
  • With particular respect to Body Structures technology, contribute to the continuous improvement and further development of CAD modelling and product definition techniques.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Strong passion for automotive design and development.
  • Educated to Degree level in Mechanical / Automotive Engineering or similar.
  • Sound understanding of mechanical design fundamentals.
  • Proficiency with CATIA V5 is essential.
  • Experience of high or niche vehicle (low volume) Body-In-White design would be an advantage.
  • Good material knowledge, with emphasis on high performance and lightweight materials (carbon composites, glass composites, aluminium alloys).
  • Good understanding of bolted and bonded mechanical joints design.
  • Good understanding of GD&T standards.
  • Understanding of FE analysis techniques to drive structural design and its optimization is essential.
  • Experience of CATIA V5 CPD or experience on equivalent composites design toolboxes would be beneficial.
  • Experience of best drawing and modelling practises or methodologies would be beneficial.
  • PC literate and at ease with MS Office products.
  • Ability to conduct DFMEA would be beneficial.
  • Knowledge of the following Aluminium manufacturing technologies would be an advantage:
    •    Aluminium Castings
    •    Aluminium Extrusions
    •    Aluminium Welding
  • Knowledge of the following carbon fibre composites manufacturing technologies would be an advantage:
    • Pre-preg and Autoclave
    • RTM (High/Low pressure, VARTM)
    • SMC mouldings
Personal Attributes

  • The ideal candidate is an individual with a strong passion for automotive body design, who is willing to be challenged with the design of the most innovative automotive systems using advanced materials and processes.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and to lead design activities. 
  • Must be a team player and be able to work closely with project and lead engineers as well as with suppliers.
  • Flexibility and adaptability are key to become a leading member of our team.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proactive, well organised, diligent and reliable.