Manufacturing New Model Quality Engineer

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option

Employee wellbeing programs

Parental leave

Job summary

McLaren Automotive is seeking a New Model Quality Process Lead to support introduction of new models into the Manufacturing process. You will work across planning, pre-series and series production with PMO, Engineering, Corporate Quality, Logistics and Launch teams.

You will drive process improvement, quality controls, data analysis and reporting to ensure readiness for build phases and successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Technical Engineering degree or equivalent.
• Proven experience in Manufacturing/Quality Eng in automotive.
• Structured problem solving (8D)/DMAIC/PPS and quality tools.
• Proficiency with SAP, CATIA and MS Office.
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills.

Responsibilities

• Define robust control plans using data inputs for consistent process execution.
• Lead quality concerns across build phases and drive issue resolution.
• Oversee training of operators for new product content integration.
• Develop torque audit plans and ensure timely execution of audits.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to capture quality concerns as QCRs or PPMs.

Skills

Vehicle launches

Quality systems

Process mapping

Problem solving

Quality tools

Stakeholder mgmt

Negotiation

Presentation

Travel flexibility

Project management

Education

Engineering degree

Automotive manufacturing

Tools

SAP

CATIA

MS Office

Job description

What to Expect

Reporting to the New Model Quality Process Lead, this role will support the introduction of New Models into our Manufacturing process. Covering the initial planning phase, pre-series and through to series production, the focus will be to ensure all Quality processes are established to support Product outcomes and to ensure a successful delivery of the Project Quality Deliverables. The individual will be required to operate in a cross functional environment, working alongside the Project Management Office (PMO), Engineering, Corporate Quality, Logistics and Launch departments.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

Process definition

• Use appropriate data inputs to develop robust control plans that support consistent and effective process execution.
• Create and maintain process documentation required to support inspection, verification, and validation activities.
• Ensure all LEG‑SOS requirements are available, up to date, and fully aligned with the needs of the build process.

Problem management

• Lead the management of quality concerns identified during the various build phases, using a robust data recording system and engagement with the relevant stakeholders to drive the issues to resolution.
• Assess and report out on readiness for the respective build phases, through an effective management of the quality problem landscape.
• Drive improvements in the fault detection methodology through a cycling of identified issues via the relevant gateways.
• Engage and work with relevant manufacturing stakeholder, to ensure management of the problem landscape for all manufacturing owned issues.

Quality Control

• Oversee the training of operators to ensure smooth onboarding and effective integration of new product content.
• Use appropriate data sources to develop comprehensive torque audit plans that align with build and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure timely and complete execution of torque audit activities.
• Document all non‑conformances identified during torque audits and track them through to full resolution.

Data Analysis

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure all quality concerns raised during build events are accurately captured and logged as QCRs or PPMs.
• Apply statistical tools and data‑analysis techniques to evaluate quality issues reported throughout build phases, identifying trends, root causes, and areas for improvement.
• Produce clear, data‑driven reports using Microsoft Office tools that summarise key quality metrics and provide actionable insights to support readiness for upcoming build phases.

Process Improvement

• Review process documentation during build phases and update it as required to ensure accuracy and alignment with current procedures.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure the timely and complete execution of the torque audit process.
• Record all identified non‑conformances and manage them through to full resolution.

Documentation and Reporting

• Develop and update periodic reports that provide a detailed assessment of readiness for the programme and each associated build phase

Collaboration

• Engage proactively with cross‑functional departments—including PMO, Engineering, Corporate Quality, Logistics, and Launch to support the timely and accurate delivery of all manufacturing quality deliverables for the programme

Personal attributes

• Ability to inspire and motivate towards a common goal.
• Ability to make informed, effective, and timely decisions, especially in high‑pressure situations.
• Capability to think strategically and align quality initiatives with organisational goals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to listen actively, understand concerns, and promote an open communication culture.
• Willingness to explore innovative approaches to problem‑solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand and empathise with team members, fostering a positive work environment.
• Capability to resolve conflicts within the team and promote a collaborative atmosphere.
• Readiness to adapt to changes in processes, technologies, or industry standards.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
• Openness in communication and decision‑making processes.
• Dedication to meeting customer expectations and ensuring high product quality.
• Skill in prioritising tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders both within and outside the organization.
• Skill in negotiating and influencing others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Prior experience in vehicle launches, and a good understanding of Manufacturing Quality requirements in a vehicle launch.
• Relevant Experience with Quality Management systems including fault management systems.
• Experience with system design and process mapping.
• Good understanding of problem‑solving techniques and quality tools.
• Proficient in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Strong negotiation, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel (as required)
• Project management skills

Qualifications

• Technical Engineering qualified to Degree standard, or equivalent experience.
• Must have previous experience in a Manufacturing or Quality Engineering role in Automotive Manufacturing.
• Demonstrated structured approach to Problem Solving (8D)/DMAIC/PPS (Practical Problem Solving), including understanding of quality tools and techniques such as 5Y, Ishikawa.
• Practical use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP and CATIA

What We’ll Do for You

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

Who Are We?

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.