Senior Materials Engineer

As a Senior Materials Engineer, you will lead the examination, measurement, and analysis of component materials to ensure they meet McLaren Automotive's uncompromising quality standards. This role goes beyond technical execution—driving innovation in material selection, failure analysis, and advanced testing methodologies. You will act as a subject matter expert, influencing design decisions, supporting production and engineering teams, and shaping the future of material analysis within a fast-growing, high-performance automotive environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex material investigations, including root cause analysis of failure mechanisms and performance degradation.
• Develop and implement advanced material testing strategies, covering tensile, impact, fatigue, corrosion resistance, and thermal property evaluations.
• Provide technical leadership in sample preparation and microstructural analysis.
• Advise engineering and design teams on material selection, performance trade-offs, and compliance with McLaren quality standards.
• Drive supplier engagement, ensuring alignment on material specifications, quality expectations, and innovation opportunities.
• Author and present high-level technical reports and recommendations to senior stakeholders, influencing product development and validation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement in material analysis processes, introducing new technologies and methodologies to enhance capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Materials Engineering, Materials Science or related field.
• Significant experience in industry as a materials engineer preferably in the Automotive or Aerospace industry.
• In-depth understanding of failure mechanisms, fatigue behaviour, and environmental degradation of all material types.
• Proven track record in developing and executing complex material testing programs.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and advanced quality assurance methodologies.
• Comprehensive understanding of what materials are used in the automotive sector (metallics, polymers, etc.).
• Excellent understanding of the failure mechanisms of different materials.

What We'll Do for You

• Structured career development framework
• 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