Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is accountable for the end-to-end definition, delivery, and continuous evolution of advanced assembly manufacturing systems for a low-volume, high-value powertrain facility.

This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction across manufacturing engineering, ensuring product designs are translated into world-class, scalable, and digitally enabled production systems that achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability targets across the full product lifecycle.

Operating at a systems level, the role shapes plant architecture, automation strategy, and industrialisation roadmaps, while leading cross-functional integration from early concept through launch and into operational excellence.

Principal Accountabilities

Manufacturing System Strategy & Architecture

• Own and define the end-to-end manufacturing system architecture, including process design, automation strategy, plant layout, and digital integration.
• Develop and govern long-term manufacturing strategies, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and alignment with future product and technology roadmaps.
• Lead development of line concepts, takt strategies, capacity models, and industrialisation plans.
• Champion implementation of advanced Lean Production Systems and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Define and lead integration of MES, digital twins, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enable traceability, analytics, and real-time control.

Technical Leadership – Tooling, Equipment & Automation

• Provide technical authority and governance over tooling, equipment, and automation strategy.
• Lead specification, selection, and validation of complex automated systems and precision assembly technologies.
• Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships, including integrators and equipment vendors.
• Oversee design reviews, FAT/SAT readiness, and technical risk mitigation.
• Drive innovation in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions to enhance capability and competitiveness.
• Ensure all systems are designed for reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost optimisation.

Quality, Process Robustness & Compliance

• Lead deployment of quality-by-design principles across manufacturing systems.
• Own and govern PFMEA, control plans, and error‑proofing strategies at system level.
• Ensure robust implementation of traceability, torque control, leak testing, cleanliness, and end‑of‑line validation systems.
• Drive achievement of first‑time‑through, warranty, and reliability targets.
• Establish change management governance for product and process evolution.
• Utilise digital manufacturing and simulation tools to validate processes prior to implementation.

Programme Delivery & Launch Excellence

• Lead manufacturing engineering delivery through concept, industrialisation, installation, commissioning, and ramp‑up.
• Provide senior technical leadership during launch, ensuring rapid issue resolution and risk mitigation.
• Oversee pilot builds, run‑at‑rate validation, and production readiness.
• Ensure achievement of takt, yield, safety, and cost targets within programme timelines.
• Act as a key decision‑maker in high‑pressure launch environments.

Leadership, Governance & Capability Development

• Provide technical and functional leadership to manufacturing engineering teams across process, tooling, and industrial engineering disciplines.
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks.
• Mentor and develop engineers, building organisational capability and succession strength.
• Lead implementation of structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, Six Sigma approaches).
• Champion health, safety, and ergonomic excellence, embedding a proactive safety culture.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and corporate standards.

Cross‑Functional & Business Integration

• Act as a key interface across Product Engineering, Operations, Quality, Digital, Facilities, and Supply Chain.
• Influence programme strategy, capital investment planning, and business case development.
• Support senior governance reviews and executive decision‑making.
• Drive alignment between manufacturing capability and future product innovation.
• Contribute to enterprise‑level manufacturing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required Experience

• Significant experience in powertrain or precision mechanical manufacturing.
• Proven leadership delivering multiple full production launches from concept through ramp‑up.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex manufacturing programmes or technical teams.
• Strong background in automation, advanced assembly systems, and supplier management.
• Experience influencing product design and manufacturing strategy at programme level.
• Track record of resolving complex technical and operational challenges in high‑performance environments.

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in assembly system design, line balancing, and production optimisation.
• Advanced knowledge of precision assembly processes (fastening, sealing, testing, validation).
• Strong understanding of digital manufacturing, MES integration, and simulation tools.
• Ability to define and evaluate complex automation architectures and emerging technologies.
• Expertise in process capability, variation control, and manufacturing analytics.

Leadership & Strategic Capability

• Strong systems thinking across manufacturing, facilities, logistics, and digital ecosystems.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Proven decision‑making and accountability in complex, high‑pressure environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including senior leadership engagement.
• Ability to translate technical strategy into business value and performance outcomes.

Education and Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced qualifications (e.g., MSc, MBA, Six Sigma Black Belt) are advantageous.

Success Measures (Indicative)

• Delivery of manufacturing systems aligned to strategic, cost, and performance targets.
• Successful launch with stable, scalable, and high‑quality production performance.
• Achievement of first‑time‑through, warranty, and operational efficiency targets.
• Demonstrated continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing capability.
• Development of high‑performing engineering teams and robust engineering standards.

Location & Travel

• Based at the McLaren Technology Centre.
• Regular travel to suppliers, partners, and global engineering sites as required.

What We’ll Do For You

• 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.

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