Test Driver

What to Expect

Reporting directly to the Chief Test Driver, the Test Driver supports the testing, assessment and development of future McLaren Automotive vehicles. Working closely with the Test Driver team and vehicle engineering functions including Dynamics, Durability, Powertrain, NVH and Software Validation. The role is responsible for executing test activities, identifying issues, conducting vehicle assessments and providing structured feedback to support engineering development programmes.

The role requires strong driving capability, vehicle awareness and the ability to consistently evaluate vehicle performance against defined test plans and development objectives.

What You'll Do

• Execute vehicle test activities on road, proving ground and test circuit environments in accordance with engineering test plans.
• Perform vehicle shakedown activities and identify potential quality, performance or durability concerns.
• Conduct subjective vehicle assessments and provide clear, structured feedback to engineering teams.
• Support development activities relating to vehicle dynamics, drivability, braking, steering, ride and handling characteristics.
• Identify and accurately document vehicle issues and support root cause investigations.
• Support Functional Objective Key (FOK) assessments and vehicle evaluation activities.
• Prepare and assess vehicles for development and validation programmes.
• Operate vehicles in accordance with approved driving permit levels and test procedures.
• Support Pure McLaren and other company vehicle evaluation events as required.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers and technicians to ensure timely delivery of development objectives.
• Represent McLaren professionally when interacting with external suppliers, partners and customers.

What You'll Bring

• Experience in high-performance vehicle testing or development.
• Ability to identify and communicate vehicle quality, performance and drivability concerns.
• Good understanding of vehicle dynamics and vehicle behaviour.
• Experience conducting structured test activities and following defined test procedures.
• Consistent driving capability and ability to repeat test conditions accurately.
• Good understanding of vehicle systems and mechanical principles.
• Ability to provide clear verbal and written feedback to engineering teams.
• Experience of circuit, proving ground or performance driving environments desirable.
• Knowledge of automotive test facilities and development processes advantageous.
• Mechanical or automotive engineering knowledge beneficial.
• Motorsport or advanced driving experience advantageous.
• Genuine interest in automotive engineering, vehicle performance and development.

Education & Other Requirements:

• Mechanical / Automotive Engineering Degree advantageous
• High competency in written and oral English language

What We'll Do for You

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

• 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

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.