Junior Technology Design Engineer

At McLaren Racing, we believe only by chasing performance in everything we do can we give ourselves the best chance of success. Performance on track and in the factory. Performance for our people, our business and our partners. It’s about more than winning. It’s about hitting the highest standards, and then raising the bar again.

Purpose of the role

The main purpose of the role is to contribute to the design of mechanical systems, assemblies and components for the R&T test facilities, including the wind tunnel, various rigs and dynos, measurement systems and test instrumentation, the models or items under test, and the race car. The work will be primarily mechanical design, including follow up work to oversee pre-fit, assembly, test and installation. You will further contribute to ad-hoc R&T projects in collaboration with other racing departments, which target the wider performance improvement of current and future race car marques and the efficiency of race operations.

Role Dimensions:

• The role sits in the Research & Technology team, which is responsible for the R&T test facilities in general, and the technology systems and sensors in wind tunnel, test rigs and on race car in particular.
• The role will involve collaboration and support from the rest of the Research & Technology team (designers, systems engineers and technical operators) as well as software engineers, data analysts, model makers, model designers, and the wider Technical division in Racing.
• This role is factory based at MTC (or periods of WFH as agreed with your manager in line with company policy) but may involve occasional travel to test facility and/or trackside operations i.e. travel and work outside the UK.
• This role is predominantly carried out during standard working hours, but will sometimes include additional hours and occasional weekends.

Responsibilities:

• Design & Development: Contribute to the design and development of mechanical systems, including wind tunnel models, test rigs, and race car instrumentation.
• Technical Documentation: Produce detailed drawings and assembly documentation with precise specifications for manufacturing and testing.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, technicians, and technical teams (e.g., aerodynamics, electronics) to ensure successful project delivery.
• Testing & Validation: Support the design and execution of test equipment and rig testing to validate components and systems.
• Continuous Improvement: Respond to feedback, analyse data, and recommend improvements while adhering to departmental procedures and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Experiences:

• Degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aeronautical engineering discipline
• Knowledge and understanding of F1 or similar high performance design environment
• First engineering design and CAD experience, preferably using CATIA 3DX/V5
• Fundamental knowledge and application of GD&T (geometric tolerances)
• Associated CAD disciplines are desired: Kinematics, FEA
• Fundamental knowledge of production techniques (machining, fabrication, rapid prototyping)
• Basic knowledge of mechatronics (electro-mechanical, control systems, mechanisms)
• Basic knowledge of race car design (principal layout, assemblies, systems)

Personal Attributes:

• Working accurately and at pace in line with requirements of a modern F1 racing R&T department
• Creative and thoughtful approach to solving engineering and design challenges
• Well organised and able to allocate time effectively between numerous tasks, meeting deadlines whilst also being flexible and responding to changing priorities
• Self-motivated and resourceful; thorough worker with excellent attention to detail
• Team player with excellent communication skills
• High initiative level
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure
• Ability to work respectfully with co-workers and all stakeholders involved in delivering projects, and working as one team

What McLaren can offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.