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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