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
As a Senior Project Engineer within the Body Exterior Sealing, Finishers and Window Lift Systems team you will be able to push and develop your engineering capability, influencing future system design as the subject matter expert. With a direct impact on vehicle water management, NVH performance and perceived quality in the market, you will be expected to create and deliver innovative designs and ideas exceeding the current benchmark. This is a role that will push you to develop your engineering capability with a major influence on the overall product with direct input into the design of the vehicle.
You will be confronted with technical questions daily. You will also be responsible for attending meetings/reviews and reacting to any issues relevant to your commodity to best serve your customer groups such as Styling, SQA, Purchasing and Project Management teams as well as the end user, or customer. This role offers great exposure to other areas of the business and at various levels through to Executive Director level.
In parallel you will also be involved in the generation and continuous development of technology roadmaps and standards for Body Exterior systems on future vehicle projects, ensuring McLaren are the benchmark.
Principal Accountabilities
- You will be responsible for component design from cradle to grave including initial concept, supplier engagement, simulation analysis, prototype build phases, validation testing and production support, constantly pushing the boundaries of manufacture processes and materials to create a truly cutting-edge product.
- Reporting directly to the Principal Engineer and supporting the cross functional project team ensuring design and engineering integrity to exceed performance, quality and commercial targets.
- Providing technical leadership to the project cross functional teams, as well as being the subject matter expert within the Body Exterior function group.
- Managing cost and weight from initial estimates through to production, ensuring accurate forecasting and tracking throughout development.
- Utilising a rigorous engineering approach to develop right first time design, whilst meeting the gateway engineering deliverables as defined in the McLaren Development Process.
- Influence and actively participate in the selection of business partners, including suppliers
- Robust logical problem solving skills including root cause analysis, idea generation and countermeasure evaluation techniques.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Design and development experience on automotive products including seals, finishers and window lift systems. Expertise in dynamic sealing, glass run sealing, glass guidance, anti-pinch sensors, etc. is particularly valuable.
- Good understanding of latest Automotive technologies, manufacture processes and materials, including but not limited to: extrusion, injection moulding, stamping, roll forming, stretch bending, EPDM, TPE, coatings, metals, plastics.
- Familiarity with the first principle physics of a closures system and the trade offs expected during design.
- Robust understanding of the complete product lifecycle (concept-delivery).
- Strong interpersonal skills – ability to communicate to all levels of the business including external partners.
- CAD knowledge for assembly and part interrogation. Design experience advantageous.
- Good understanding of GD&T.
- Knowledge of development tools, such as DFMEA and DVP.
- Knowledge and proven use of Problem Solving Techniques.
- Educated to Degree level in suitable Engineering discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated, well organised and delivery focused
- Conscientious approach to design, part performance and quality
- A good team worker who is driven to support their team to success, leading where necessary
- Confidence to challenge the status quo.
- Proactive and logical approach to problem solving, working in a methodical manner.
- Ability to deliver under pressure in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
- An engaging mind, open to new problems and challenges outside of normal comfort zone
- Willingness to travel to suppliers and test facilities as required.