Lead Engineer – Engine Design

Overview

In this role, you will lead the definition, design and delivery of a complete ICE project for a McLaren platform, shaping future powertrain technologies. You’ll manage cross-functional stakeholders and a team of engineers to achieve the full technical product specification on ambitious, clean-sheet ICE programmes. You will influence engine systems, integration, packaging, and supplier collaboration, with autonomy and strong support from a world-renowned brand. This is an opportunity to drive high-performance engineering at scale and impact vehicle development.

Pay / Benefits

• Structured career development framework
• 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and detailed knowledge of high-performance ICE components and subsystems
• Lead the definition of MAL engine systems, coordinating with product teams, finance, suppliers, and executives to ensure attribute, cost, and schedule compliance
• Review and approve Technical Product Specifications (drawings, specs, DFMA) with BS 8888 and ISO GPS compliance
• direct internal and external engineering teams to deliver to defined technical specifications within program timing
• Manage BOMs, specifications, FMEAs, DVPs, and associated cost, timing and quality targets with procurement and SQD
• Oversee technical assessment, integration, and application of Powertrain and Driveline technology
• Support vehicle program attribute owners with development reporting
• Ensure component interfaces align with vehicle structure, packaging, aerodynamics and cooling
• Establish and control design releases aligned with project timing
• Lead testing, evaluation, and reporting to support development, manufacturing, launch and planning
• Prepare and present materials for status reviews to stakeholders

Key requirements

• Significant experience in high-performance automotive OEM or motorsport with engine design, test and production
• Experience delivering components within an OEM or tier-1 supply chain
• Experience with APQP or similar frameworks including FMEA, component planning and PPAP
• Significant CAE knowledge for digital analysis of combustion systems, structures and dynamics
• CATIA V5 2D/3D skills with strong BS 8888 and ISO GPS tolerancing
• Proficiency with MS Office
• Mechanical or Automotive Engineering Degree (2:1 or above)
• Management experience leading a team of engineers

• Leadership and hands-on mentoring
• Stakeholder liaison and cross-functional collaboration
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• CAE for combustion systems and structural/dynamic analysis
• CATIA V5 2D/3D
• BS 8888 and ISO GPS tolerancing

…