Head of Safety & Security - Autonomous and Connected Systems

McLaren; Woking; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative industry leader is seeking a Head of Safety & Security to spearhead the safety assurance and cybersecurity strategy for cutting-edge autonomous vehicle platforms. This pivotal role involves embedding safety principles throughout the AI lifecycle and ensuring robust protection against cyber threats. You will lead functional safety programs and global homologation efforts, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of intelligent mobility. Join a dynamic team focused on pioneering advancements in connected services and cloud infrastructure, where your expertise will directly impact the evolution of automotive safety and security.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading safety assurance and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in automotive systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead safety assurance and cybersecurity strategy.
• Embed safety and security principles across the AI lifecycle.

Skills

Safety Assurance

Cybersecurity

Compliance Strategy

AI Lifecycle Management

Functional Safety Programs

Education

Degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Relevant Certifications in Safety and Security

Tools

Safety Standards (ISO 26262)

Cybersecurity Frameworks

Compliance Tools

Job description

We are recruiting for a Head of Safety & Security – Autonomous and Connected Systems to join our Autonomous, Connected Mobility and AI team in Woking.

You will architect and lead the safety assurance, cybersecurity, and compliance strategy for McLaren’s next-generation intelligent vehicle platforms — covering AI-native autonomy, connected services, OTA pipelines, and cloud infrastructure.

You will be responsible for embedding safety- and security-by-design principles across the AI lifecycle, E2E autonomy stack, connectivity, motion interface, and cloud services. You will also lead functional safety programs, global homologation efforts, and regulatory interface for type approval and compliance.

This role is at the forefront of software-defined mobility security, ensuring McLaren Automotive’s AI-driven platform remains impenetrable to evolving cyber threats.