Materials Engineering Graduate Scheme

Overview

Join to apply for the Materials Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026 role at McLaren Automotive Ltd
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We are recruiting talented and driven Graduates to join our world-class laboratory Materials Engineering team at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey. As a Materials Engineering Graduate, you will play a key role in analysing and developing materials for the next generation of McLaren’s high-performance vehicles, pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, performance and quality.

This is a two-year rotational programme (4 x 6-month placements) designed to give you broad experience across materials within McLaren’s Engineering function. You’ll work on real projects, alongside industry-leading engineers, developing your technical expertise, creativity, and leadership skills—preparing you for a future permanent role within Materials.

Please note this is an on-site position.

Through four diverse rotations, you will gain hands-on experience of materials development within McLaren’s Engineering teams. You will contribute directly to the development, validation and enhancement of materials across all our supercars. Potential areas of focus include:

• Providing rapid troubleshooting and failure analysis service relating to components, production and processes
• Using test and analytical equipment to progress material investigations for all function groups
• Create technical documents and reports
• Working with subject matter experts to help improve their processes with material data
• Use the following analytical techniques: microscopy, SEM/EDX, FTIR, Tensile testing, DSC/TGA, NDT techniques, etc.
• Providing materials expertise for supplier audits

Alongside your rotations, you’ll take part in professional development activities, innovation challenges, and knowledge-sharing sessions to sharpen your technical capability and leadership potential.

• On track to achieve, or have achieved, a 2:1 or above in a relevant Materials Engineering/Science degree at a UK university.
• Passion for high-performance vehicle design, engineering, and innovation.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team.
• Experience with laboratory techniques, fractography analysis, material characterisation equipment and CAD software

You must also bring a passion for cars, and a desire to work at the cutting edge of the automotive industry within our Quality business area

• Engineering mindset – a passion for precision, performance, and problem-solving.
• Innovation drive – enthusiasm for creating and refining cutting-edge engineering solutions.
• Attention to detail – meticulous in design, analysis, and documentation.
• Continuous improvement focus – motivated to challenge the status quo and seek better ways of working.
• Adaptability – comfortable working across different technical disciplines and project phases.
• Collaboration – strong team player, building productive relationships across disciplines.
• Resilience – thrives in high-pressure, time-critical situations.
• Ownership – takes responsibility and follows through on commitments.
• Clear communication – able to explain complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Passion for performance engineering – aligned with McLaren’s vision and dedication to excellence.

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

• 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
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee…