Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer in Woking

We are hiring 6x SQD Engineers on a 24 month fixed term contract. Please note we will consider locations in Bicester & Woking.

As part of McLaren Automotive's continued growth and its multi-propulsion strategy, we are expanding our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team. Strengthening the global SQD function will enhance collaboration with suppliers worldwide and reinforce the delivery of robust quality standards across both new and existing vehicle programmes.

As a Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer, you will work with suppliers of powertrain commodity components such as engines, transmissions, hoses, pumps, cooling fans, and other 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.

• Conduct thorough assessments of new supplier sites in China 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.

Essential Functional / Technical Skills

• Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in a technical engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Commodity Expertise: 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.
• Supplier Quality Expertise: 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.

Personal Attributes / Competencies

• Motivated and Professional: Highly driven team player who leads by example, acts with integrity, and can professionally represent a world-class automotive brand.
• Effective Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to engage confidently across all levels internally and externally, including suppliers.
• Organised and Delivery-Focused: Well-structured and dependable, with a proven track record of delivering results on time in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Independent and Adaptable: Self-sufficient with the ability to prioritise workload, request support when needed, and thrive in dynamic, evolving start-up settings.
• Quick Learner with Global Perspective: Fast learner, culturally aware; flexible in work patterns and willing to travel extensively, including at short notice.
• Technically Qualified and Experienced: Degree-educated in a relevant discipline, with years’ experience in a complex manufacturing environment—OEM automotive preferred.
• Supplier Quality Expertise: Previous experience in Supplier Quality functions, including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
• Problem Solving and Coaching Skills: Skilled in using, training, and coaching standard practical problem-solving tools.
• Strong understanding of Manufacturing processes within automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with core quality tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, and SPC.
• Working knowledge of IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
• Familiarity with durability and performance validation for mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, SAP, and CATIA viewer.

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.