McLaren Automotive Ltd
Design Modelling Graduate Scheme 2027
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
What to Expect
We are recruiting for a Graduate Design Modeller to join our world-class Design team located at McLaren Creative Centre in Bicester, in Oxfordshire. Based within our Design Studio, you will work across digital modelling, physical model development and studio model production, supporting the creation of concept vehicles from initial design intent through to physical realisation.
This two-year rotational graduate programme provides broad exposure to the complete design modelling process, bridging digital virtuality, physical reality and the operational requirements involved in delivering high-quality studio models.
You’ll work closely with Exterior and Interior Designers, Studio Engineers, Digital Modellers, Master Clay Modellers, Project Managers and external suppliers. Through a combination of digital and physical modelling experiences, you’ll develop an understanding of how creative design concepts are translated into accurate, buildable and presentation-ready physical models.
The programme will provide experience across three key areas: Digital Modelling for Model Production, Manual & Physical Modelling Processes, and Model Production Project Management & Supplier Coordination.
Please note this is an onsite position.
What You'll Do
Phase 1: Digital Modelling for Model Production (approx. 9 Months)
- Master the digital pipeline focused entirely on translating 2D design concepts into buildable, 3D studio assets and physical buck structures.
- Milling & Prototyping Prep Data: Clean, join, and prepare CAD data specifically for CNC clay milling, rapid prototyping, and 3D printing. Learn how to construct parting lines and internal structural offsets.
- Armature & Structural Framework Layout: Assist Studio Engineers in building digital armatures, chassis packages, and internal buck frameworks that support physical clay and hard models.
- Sub-D & Poly-Modelling for Rapid Iteration: Utilize polygonal modeling workflows for rapid concept ideation, styling buck preparation, and the generation of components like wheels and grilles intended for immediate physical prototyping.
- Virtual Prototyping & Scale Verification: Prep digital data for real-time visualization reviews. Assist in setting up immersive VR/AR design evaluations to check proportions and scale before releasing data to the physical workshop.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Phase 2: Manual & Physical Processes (approx. 9 Months)
- Develop the critical tactile feedback loop that can only be achieved by working with physical forms under studio lighting.
- Clay Modelling & Sculpting: Work alongside master clay modelers to rough-in, balance, and fine-tune 1:1 and scale clay models. Gain expertise using specialized clay tools, slicers, and sweeps to bring lines to life.
- Milling Machine Operation: Support the setup and execution of CNC clay milling machines, translating digital CAD files back into raw physical shapes.
- Model Finishing & Hard-Modelling: Learn the artistry of surface finishing. Experience manual sanding, priming, and applying DINOC/wrap films to make clay models look like painted, road-ready vehicles.
- Rapid Prototyping Integration: Post-process and fit SLA/FDM 3D-printed components (e.g., grilles, light signatures, mirrors) onto the physical studio models.
Phase 3: Model Production PM & Supplier Coordination (approx. 6 Months)
- Step behind the scenes to learn how complex studio projects are planned, budgeted, and delivered through cross-functional teamwork and external partnerships.
- Model Build Project Management: Assist Studio PMs in mapping out the end-to-end timeline for 1:1 concept car builds and clay model milestones. Monitor progress against gateway reviews and executive presentation deadlines.
- Supplier Outsource Coordination: Coordinate with external specialized suppliers (e.g., rapid prototyping houses, carbon fiber specialists, paint shops, and armature builders). Draft technical statements of work (SOW) and track supplier deliverables.
- Logistics & Procurement Support: Oversee the shipping, handling, and secure transport of confidential buck structures, prototypes, and digital assets between external vendors and the secure design studio.
- Resource & Budget Tracking: Gain exposure to studio resource allocation, tracking material costs, and vendor lead times to ensure physical models are delivered on budget and schedule.
What You'll Bring
- Education: A recent Graduate or Master's degree in Automotive Design, Transportation Design, Product Design, Industrial/Creative Engineering, Project Management with a creative focus, or a related field.
- Technical Aptitude: Basic to intermediate proficiency in digital modeling tools (Autodesk Alias, Blender, Rhino, or Maya). Exposure to VRED, Keyshot, or CNC/slicing CAM software is a major plus.
- Manual Craftsmanship: Strong spatial awareness. A proven passion for working with your hands, whether through physical clay sculpting, industrial prototyping, or model making.
- Organizational & Leadership Potential: Strong project management mindset. Familiarity with timeline tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Monday.com) and an ability to manage multiple moving parts under tight deadlines.
- AI Proficiency: Comfortable using AI tools ethically and effectively to support learning, productivity, innovation, and problem-solving.
- Collaborative Spirit: Strong negotiation and communication skills to act as the vital bridge between design teams, studio engineers, and external vendors.
- Portfolio/Case Study Required: Application must include a portfolio showcasing both digital 3D/physical work and any examples of structured organization, project planning, or academic team leadership case studies.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What We'll Do for You
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays. 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 assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
- Opportunities to experience our fantastic cars
Qualifying criteria applies.
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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London