Qualified Engineer - Electric Drive CAE

Description & Requirements

Background

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.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Propulsion CAE Manager/principal engineer, this role will work with the design and system engineers to define the electric drive hardware and controls software required to deliver the electric drive performance, efficiency and drivability targets. The Engineer will develop the simulation methodology, models and test methods used in the team to ensure that the electric drive component targets are consistently delivered in an integrated manner with minimum risk to the business.

Principal Accountabilities

  • Ownership and development of simulation / test / development capabilities required to support the development of the McLaren Electric Drivetrain
  • Collaborate in the definition of the hardware and software specifications for the Electric Drivetrain, so that the Electric Drive Performance, Efficiency and Drivability attributes are met
  • Working closely with the EDT ESS/EDS/EDC, and vehicle attribute teams to develop simulation models and communication methods that result in an integrated approach to powertrain and vehicle attribute delivery
  • Develop EDT CAE core competencies including tool sets, software and best practice techniques
  • Develop additional EDT CAE capabilities as required to bring value-added analysis ‘in-house’ where possible
  • Development of automated communication and data transfer systems to allow electric drive data to be communicated to the wider business
  • Supporting the EDT CAE Manager in the development of the engineers / graduates in the team to deliver creative and efficient solutions to engineering challenges
  • Delivering project activities to guarantee project delivery in line with MDP and gateway deliverables.
  • Develop test methodologies to improve data validation capabilities at McLaren
  • Preparation and presentation of material to support external and internal project status reviews

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Experienced in a simulation, analysis & development environment – model architecture definition, tool-chain setup, model and boundary condition set up, data processing and reporting
  • Experience in electric drive component (ESS, eMotor, Power Electronics) circuit and thermal modelling, using Matlab / Simulink or dedicated similar software
  • Experience of state-of-the-art electric drive simulation and analysis tools, techniques and processes
  • A high level of technical knowledge & experience of hybrid powertrain / electric drive simulation and test methodologies
  • Ability to analyse hybrid powertrain and electric drive data and draw out fundamental causes and effects
  • Knowledge of electric drive component testing, test set up, instrumentation, logging, fault analysis, data processing and reporting
  • Knowledge of high-performance hybrid / electric powertrains
  • A good level of technical knowledge & experience of vehicle simulation and test methodologies
  • Adopts a creative & thoughtful approach to development and solving engineering problems with good attention to detail
  • Proficiency in MATLAB Simulink
  • Experience with hybrid / electric drive control systems (e.g. Bosch, MESL) and knowledge about using data processing software such as MDA, Atlas, Canape or Matlab
  • PC literate and at ease with MS Office products                                                                                                       

Qualifications and Training

  • Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic or Automotive Engineering Degree 2:1 or above

Personal Attributes

  • A passion for high performance electric drive engineering
  • Good team skills, willingness to work cross-functionally with excellent communication skills
  • Well organised and independent – able to work constructively with minimal supervision
  • A positive, proactive attitude with a high level of self-motivation to deliver excellence
  • An engaging mind, open to new problems outside their normal comfort zone
  • Adopts a creative & thoughtful approach to solving engineering problems with good attention to detail
  • A willingness to engage in debate and discussion, and to listen and see others’ points of view
  • Ability to communicate clearly with design and development groups
  • Excellent communicator and ability to lead a small, focused team
  • Ambitious and self-reliant - intrinsically self-motivated
  • Delivery focused – with demonstrable track record of on-time delivery
  • Capable of representing a world class automotive brand
  • Able to remain focused under pressure