Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) Engineer – BIW in Woking

As part of McLaren Automotive’s multi-propulsion strategy and ongoing growth, we are strengthening our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team. This role will focus on managing suppliers for Body in White (BIW) components, ensuring that high quality, delivery, and reliability standards are met across new and existing vehicle programmes.

What to Expect

You will work with suppliers of BIW commodity components including structural stampings, aluminium castings, extrusions, composite panels, adhesive bonding systems, and complete body assemblies. Operating primarily from the UK with a global remit, you will support suppliers throughout the product lifecycle—from sourcing and industrialisation to series production—ensuring successful launches and ongoing performance. This role is supplier-facing and hands-on, with responsibilities including process feasibility, quality planning, and issue resolution.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct thorough assessments of supplier global sites to ensure a competent and reliable supply base.
• Ensure non-IATF16949 suppliers achieve certification in line with approved nomination plans.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Purchasing to select and nominate capable suppliers aligned with programme requirements.
• Support and implement APQP for all new tooled parts, ensuring timely and robust completion of activities.
• Work with Engineering and suppliers to complete PPAPs according to commodity timing plans and track approvals against delivery milestones.
• Provide progress reporting to Purchasing and SQA Programme teams, covering APQP open issues, PPAP pedigree, and delivery forecasts.
• Manage non-PPAP part concessions to ensure a “Plan for Every Part” is in place for build support.
• Collaborate with Engineering and suppliers to ensure product designs are feasible for manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, welding, hose manufacturing, pump assembly, and cooling system production.
• Verify that supplier manufacturing processes meet durability, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Ensure suppliers meet launch and delivery commitments in line with APQP requirements.
• Manage suppliers during series production to maintain PPAP compliance and resolve quality, capacity, and delivery concerns.
• Conduct annual supplier audits to verify continued compliance with McLaren standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and quality metrics, ensuring sustained capability and delivery.
• Facilitate regular governance reviews with key suppliers to address risks, escalate issues, and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement and oversight.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.
• Drive resolution of major open issues, ensuring supplier senior management is actively involved.
• Deliver quality and capacity verification in line with McLaren Development Process (MDP) targets.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies with suppliers to enhance performance and capability.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong understanding of Body In White (BIW) supply chains and processes within automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Aluminium alloys, high-strength steels, carbon fibre composites, and advanced lightweight materials.
• Experience with core quality tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, and SPC.
• Working knowledge of IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) for component fit and finish.
• Familiarity with durability and performance validation for mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, SAP, and CATIA viewer.

Qualifications:

• Degree-level qualification in a technical engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Must possess deep commodity expertise, including a strong understanding of supplier manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, and typical quality and delivery risks associated with their commodity area.
• Proven experience in SQA/SQE roles, including leading suppliers through multiple new model launches.
• Core Quality Tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC.
• Structured Problem Solving: 8D and DMAIC methodologies.
• Quality Management Systems: IATF16949 and AIAG standard practices.
• Engineering Standards: Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Digital & Systems Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SAP, and CATIA.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Manufacturing

Industries: Automotive and Motor Vehicle Manufacturing