At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier quality activities and ensure top-notch parts during vehicle launches.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Structured career development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that rethinks automotive boundaries.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience in supplier quality assurance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Senior Supplier Quality Launch Engineer is a critical on-site role at the OEM's manufacturing plant in Woking. This role supports the Performance Vehicle Programme and Launch Manager and operates within the SQD Programme Management and Governance function. The engineer will lead supplier quality activities during launch builds, drive strategic supplier engagement, proactively manage risks, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure quality, capacity, and timing objectives are met. The role demands a high level of autonomy, technical expertise, and the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders to deliver robust part maturity and launch readiness.
What You'll Do
- Provide visible, proactive, and technically competent support during pre-production builds and launch phases, ensuring supplier-produced parts meet specification and build requirements.
- Act as the initial point of contact for all supplier quality build concerns and lead structured problem-solving (D0-D3) for QCRs during vehicle launch phase.
- Attend all launch build meetings (start-ups, wash-ups) and report on issue resolution progress.
- Manage containment actions for issues on pre-series vehicles and validate effectiveness of countermeasures.
- Coordinate onsite activities of supplier representatives, field engineers, and any third-party inspection agencies, ensuring consistency and thoroughness in containment and part quality activities.
- Ensure product maturation at each build phase and elevate unresolved issues to Site SQD team post-containment.
- Track and manage PPAP approvals and concessions to support build phases.
- Conduct supplier/part risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to protect programme delivery.
- Collaborate with procurement, manufacturing, and programme teams to ensure alignment with SQD governance processes.
- Develop launch performance metrics and SQD Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), using data from build events to inform continuous improvement strategies.
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of automotive supply chain, quality and manufacturing processes.
- Experience in supplier quality assurance and multiple new model launches.
- Technical engineering qualification to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D).
- Ability to evaluate supplier readiness and conduct scenario planning for risk mitigation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, and CATIA.
- Ability to interpret programme plans and assess supplier capability to meet quality and timing targets.
Person Attributes
- Highly motivated and self-sufficient with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Strong communicator capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Organised and delivery-focused with the ability to work under pressure.
- Adaptable and quick learner with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Team player with integrity and professionalism.
- Capable of managing multiple priorities and driving results in a fast-paced environment.
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.
What We'll Do for You
- 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
SQD Senior Launch Engineer in Woking employer: McLaren Automotive Ltd
At McLaren Automotive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our structured career development framework, extensive benefits package, and a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and personal development. Located in a cutting-edge facility, our team thrives on the excitement of creating high-performance vehicles while enjoying a range of wellbeing initiatives and generous leave policies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SQD Senior Launch Engineer in Woking
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like McLaren Automotive Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace SQD Senior Launch Engineer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to McLaren Automotive Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Automotive Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McLaren Automotive Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like McLaren Automotive Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
