McLaren

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.

The structural engineer is the link between the Design and CAE engineering teams, who is responsible to deliver performance attributes such as Passive Safety, Weight and NVH but also is responsible to ensure manufacturability of the composite parts. The scope of the role covers projects from R&D stage to vehicle homologation. 

The Structural Engineer is a composite structures, composite manufacturing, and composite testing expert. He will work within a matrix organization with direct report line to the Engineering Manager – Advanced Composites - whilst delivering towards project-based goals set by Vehicle Line management leaders.

• Reporting to the Engineering Manager – Advanced Materials, working on a unique composite component such as a Tub, Upper Structure, Door, or Crash Structure.
• Work in a cross-functional team to deliver all systems in line with targets, KPI’s and milestones set by the MDP and Vehicle Line management leaders, on multiple vehicle programmes.
• Responsible to manage internal CAE simulations
• Responsible to deliver Simulation and Optimisation at component level through management of internal or external specialist resources, in order to ensure that the designs as released meet the targets as set out in the component technical specifications, quality standards and cost objectives.
• Responsible to provide the Attribute teams and the Vehicle Level simulation teams with component/system level analysis models that allow seamless downstream Full Vehicle simulation work.
• Responsible to deliver component level testing
• Responsible for component level Proof of Concept Testing Specifications, in collaboration with the Attribute and Passive Safety teams
• Responsible for the delivery of component level Proof of Concept tests, through management of external testing resources.
• Responsible to deliver internal and external composite lay-ups that meet all the performance, weight, and Design For Manufacturing (DFM) requirements.
• Support Technical Specifications, DVPs, DFMEAs for all systems you are responsible of and in line with McLaren and VCA standards.
• Support the implementation of facilities for in house and external destructive and non-destructive testing
• Promote a Simultaneous approach to Structural Engineering, working with the Full Vehicle Simulation and Passive Safety teams in order to avoid late changes and delay in the overall process.

• [E] Experienced in an OEM, Motorsport, or Tier 1 with a high level of Body Structures systems technical knowledge, particularly in field of Carbon Composites
• [E] Experience on a wide range of composite body structures systems
• [E] Good level of technical knowledge & experience of lightweight Advanced Composites materials, CAE simulations tools and testing.
• [D] Familiar with linear and non-linear FEA packages like Optistruct, Abacus and Ls-Dyna.
• [D] Experience in the Building Block Approach and material cards definition and validation would be advantageous.
• [E] Relevant experience in simple hand calculations and adhesive/bolted joints.
• [E] Knowledge of Carbon Fibre composites manufacturing technologies
• Pre-preg and Autoclave
• [D] Knowledge of less common Carbon Fibre composites manufacturing technologies
• RTM (High/Low pressure, VARTM)
• Press Moulding (CSMC, SMC, fast cure Prepreg)
• Hand layup, press forming, braiding, filament winding
• [D] CATIA V5, PC literate and at ease with MS Office products
• [D] Good understanding of the Composite Design CATIA CPD Module (Or Similar alternative packages) although not necessarily and experienced user
• [E] Educated to Degree level in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

• A passion for high performance automotive engineering.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to work cross functionally and with external engineering partners or suppliers.
• Adopts a creative & thoughtful approach to structural concepts and solving engineering problems with good attention to detail and an engaging mind, open to new problems outside their normal comfort zone.
• A positive, proactive attitude with a high level of self-motivation to deliver excellence.
• A delivery focused individual – with demonstrable track record of on-time delivery in a high-pressure environment.
• Ambitious, and self-reliant; intrinsically self-motivated.
• Well organised and independent
• We recognise that we can only achieve our vision with the dedication and collaboration of our world class employees. It is our aim to become the employer of choice within the global automotive industry.