Vehicle Test Technician

At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too.

Purpose of the Role:

To lead or assist in the execution of Vehicle testing within our Research & Technology group. Comprising of, but not exclusive to, various cross departmental disciplines of component sign off, fatigue and test procedures, structural development, suspension system testing. On and off-site type approval and homologation activities. Dyno and rig testing.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Characterisation and sign-off of brake system components

• Characterisation and sign-off of suspension parts and control systems

• Calibration of component and, assembly strain gauges

• Routine service, and testing of metallic and composite car components

• Type approval of new and first off components

• Development testing on present and future concepts and materials.

• Install/maintain relevant test instrumentation hardware and ensure reliable function

• Monitor, capture, post process and present test data to engineers, databases and lifing software suites

• Pro-active in initialising preparations of software/hardware files for future tests.

• Compile run reports

• Assist with installation of test assemblies and components

• Assist with both on and off-site homologation tests, dynos and rigs

All the above are required to be completed to a very high standard, often to tight deadlines and in a pressurised environment whilst fully complying with our Safe Working practices at all times.

To ensure ongoing proficiency and by way of continuous improvement the successful applicant, where appropriate, will be enlisted into existing training programmes to ensure all team members utilise current or develop new skill sets. As such you will be required to show flexibility and willingness to learn on the job. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Recent experience of working within a highly technical vehicle technology testing environment in Formula 1 and or premium automotive racing car series

• Experience in the use, set up and operation of hydraulic/servo mechanical actuators and test rigs

• Previous experience with Zwick/Cats3 or similar servo mechanical and servo hydraulic control systems

• Ability to interpret engineering specifications and drawings

• Experience in the use, application and maintenance of data acquisition sensors

• Familiarity with data acquisition software such as ATLAS

• Understanding and interpretation of Acoustic Emissions monitoring would be advantageous but not essential

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products

• Able to display basic understanding of materials / component fatigue testing

• Previous experience in sign-off testing conforming to motor sports governing bodies sporting regulations

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrates drive and commitment to continuous improvement

• Good communicative skills both within your team and broader internal / external contacts

• Must be able to proactively use initiative where appropriate

• Highly self-motivated to achieve targets set both for this role and the wider team

• A team player who is supportive of others

• Determined, results focused and driven to achieve successful outcome

• Eager to learn and develop own skills

• Good analytical skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work effectively to deadlines both individually and within the team

• The ability and willingness to travel both in the UK and abroad as required to support dynamometer activities and test house attendance for type approval and homologation

What can McLaren offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Here at McLaren, we offer hybrid working with 3 days a week based in the MTC.

Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.