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- Tasks: Lead safety and security for cutting-edge autonomous vehicle systems.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in high-performance innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private medical, and sabbatical options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI and vehicle safety, shaping the future of mobility.
- Qualifications: Leadership in safety/cybersecurity for autonomous systems and deep technical expertise required.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
This role is based in Woking and involves leading safety assurance, cybersecurity, and compliance strategies for McLaren’s next-generation intelligent vehicle platforms, including AI-native autonomy, connected services, OTA pipelines, and cloud infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define safety and cybersecurity architecture across AI stack, autonomy platform, OTA infrastructure, and cloud systems.
- Lead functional safety strategy and implementation for ADAS/AD and connected systems, ensuring ISO compliance and fault diagnostics.
- Oversee homologation strategy and type approval submissions for global markets.
- Manage certification processes for software-defined features and AI functions, including explainability and traceability.
- Build safety-case frameworks for E2E architectures, integrating runtime assurance and analytics.
- Develop validation methods for AI behavior, fallback, and risk detection.
- Lead security architecture for OTA, cryptography, and intrusion detection.
- Establish fleet-scale security monitoring and anomaly detection infrastructure.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to embed safety and security into vehicle systems.
- Represent McLaren in safety and AI industry forums.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Leadership experience in safety and cybersecurity for autonomous or complex embedded systems.
- Deep knowledge of functional safety, AI safety, and vehicle homologation.
- Experience with regulatory compliance across multiple markets.
- Technical expertise in motion control validation, AI testing, and safety modeling.
- Experience with threat defense, cryptography, OTA security, and cloud trust architectures.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with buy & sell options.
- Enhanced pension, bonus, private medical, life assurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Sabbatical options after two years.
About Us:
McLaren Automotive creates high-performance road cars, driven by innovation, diversity, and a passion for excellence. We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Additional Details:
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Engineering and IT
- Industry: Automotive and Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Head of Safety & Security – Autonomous and Connected Systems employer: McLaren Automotive Ltd
Contact Detail:
McLaren Automotive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safety & Security – Autonomous and Connected Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in safety and cybersecurity for autonomous systems. Understanding current technologies and regulations will help you speak confidently about your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automotive and AI sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role at McLaren.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've implemented safety and security measures in complex systems. Be ready to share examples that highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research McLaren's recent innovations and initiatives in autonomous vehicles. Showing that you understand their mission and values will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safety & Security – Autonomous and Connected Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in safety and cybersecurity, particularly in autonomous systems. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise in areas like functional safety and AI testing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the automotive industry and how your background aligns with McLaren's mission. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the key responsibilities of the role, such as leading safety assurance strategies or managing certification processes.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications and experience that meet the job requirements. Emphasise your knowledge of regulatory compliance, threat defense, and cloud trust architectures, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Industry Engagement: Mention any involvement in safety and AI industry forums or collaborations with engineering teams. This demonstrates your commitment to staying updated on industry trends and your ability to work effectively within teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Automotive Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Safety & Security, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience in safety and cybersecurity. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, particularly in autonomous or complex embedded systems.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Make sure to articulate your deep knowledge of functional safety, AI safety, and vehicle homologation. Prepare examples that showcase your technical expertise in motion control validation, AI testing, and safety modelling, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory compliance landscape across multiple markets. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past roles, especially in relation to safety assurance and certification processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in safety and security contexts. Think about potential challenges in implementing safety-case frameworks or managing fleet-scale security monitoring, and how you would address them.
