Principal Engineer – Process & Systems

Job Title
Principal Engineer – Process & Systems
Ref #
59471
Date posted
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Manufacturing
Department
Manufacturing Controls
Position level
5 - Supervisory / Professional​ - (L-17)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
7:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Salary
N/A
What to Expect
Reporting directly to the Controls Manager, the Principal Engineer – Process & Systems delivers and integrates manufacturing electrical processes, diagnostic systems, software deployment, and vehicle commissioning solutions across vehicle programmes.The role owns technical delivery within its assigned scope, from requirements and process definition through validation, production introduction, issue resolution, and readiness evidence.Working with Engineering, Manufacturing, IT, Aftersales, programme teams, and suppliers, the role supports delivery through VP, PP, SOP, and series production.
What You'll Do
Define and deliver robust manufacturing electrical processes, system requirements, interfaces, validation plans, and implementation evidence.Deploy and support diagnostic toolchains, End-of-Line validation, software download, coding, commissioning, traceability, and fault-diagnosis capability.Ensure assigned solutions meet quality, cybersecurity, configuration-control, throughput, reliability, and production-readiness requirements.Maintain requirements, process documentation, PFMEAs, Control Plans, validation evidence, risks, issues, and release records.Investigate complex electrical, software, diagnostic, and integration faults using structured problem-solving methods and verify corrective actions.Coordinate cross-functional and supplier deliverables, escalating risks and recovery actions to protect programme timing, quality, and cost.Technical Expertise·       Vehicle electrical architectures, ·       CAN/CAN FD, ·       Automotive Ethernet, ·       UDS/DoIP, ·       EOL systems, ·       SWDL, ·       Coding and configuration, ·       Cybersecurity, ·       SDV, ·       OTA, ·       Manufacturing diagnostics.
What You'll Bring
ExperienceSignificant experience in automotive electrical systems, diagnostics, manufacturing controls, process engineering, systems integration, or vehicle software deployment.Proven delivery of complex technical work packages from requirements and validation through production implementation.Experience supporting vehicle programmes through VP, PP, SOP, and series production within cross-functional and supplier environments.High-performance, premium, or low-volume automotive manufacturing experience is desirable.Personal AttributesDelivery-focused, analytical, resilient, and detail-oriented.Proactive and pragmatic, with strong problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills.Calm under pressure and committed to quality, process discipline, and operational excellence.Success MeasuresSuccess will be measured by:On-time delivery and validated readiness of assigned VP, PP, SOP, and series-production work packages.Reliable integration of diagnostic, software-download, commissioning, and manufacturing process capability.Achievement of agreed quality, throughput, availability, compliance, and fault-reduction targets.Timely closure of requirements, validation evidence, risks, issues, and supplier actions within approved timing and cost.
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ serviceBenefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.