Snr SQD Engineer Composites Automotive

McLaren; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical after 2 years

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

McLaren is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer for the BIW & Composites team at Woking. You will lead supplier quality activities from sourcing through launch, ensuring quality, delivery and performance across supplier portfolios, with a strong focus on composites and aluminium structures.

You will drive APQP/PPAP and manufacturing feasibility, coach and develop team members, and deliver data-driven updates to senior stakeholders. Travel may be required as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in automotive SQD/QA environment.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality activities from sourcing to launch.
• Drive APQP, PPAP and manufacturing feasibility.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving.
• Develop supplier capability and coach SQD team.
• Improve SQD processes and reporting.
• Provide leadership across the SQD team.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

MSA

SPC

GD&T

Measurement techniques

Quality engineering

Problem-solving

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Metrology tools

3D measurement

Quality software

Job description

Snr SQD Engineer Composites AutomotiveRef #58899Date postedThursday, March 19, 2026CountryUnited KingdomLocationWokingBusiness areaSQDDepartmentSupplier Quality AssurancePosition level5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-16)Working timeFull TimeContract typePermanentWorking pattern9am - 6pm Monday to FridayWhat to ExpectYou’ll be part of the BIW & Composites team within McLaren’s Supplier Quality & Development function, working closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to protect quality, delivery and launch readiness across key vehicle programmes.This is a hands-on supplier-facing role with real influence. You’ll support the development of a capable, self-sufficient supply base, helping suppliers meet McLaren’s standards through sourcing, APQP, manufacturing feasibility, PPAP, launch support and ongoing improvement activity.You’ll bring technical knowledge of body panel manufacture, aluminium processes and/or composite part production, alongside a strong understanding of measurement, GD&T and the quality expectations required to achieve class-leading fit, finish and aesthetic standards.What You'll Do* Lead supplier quality activities from sourcing and industrialisation through to launch and series production, ensuring quality, delivery and performance expectations are achieved across your supplier portfolio.* Drive APQP, PPAP and manufacturing feasibility activities, helping suppliers establish robust and capable processes while proactively identifying and mitigating programme risks.* Lead cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives, influencing stakeholders across Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Supplier organisations to deliver the best outcomes for McLaren.* Develop supplier capability and support the growth of the wider SQD team through coaching, knowledge sharing and the transfer of best practice, helping to build long-term organisational capability.* Lead departmental workstreams focused on improving SQD processes, procedures and ways of working, supporting the continued evolution of the function.* Create clear, data-driven reporting and deliver concise updates and recommendations to senior stakeholders, ensuring risks, progress and priorities are understood and actioned.* Provide leadership and support across the wider SQD team, acting as a trusted point of contact and providing additional support during management absence when required.What You'll Bring* Experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development or Quality Engineering within automotive, motorsport or a similarly complex manufacturing environment.* Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and SPC, with experience supporting products through development and launch.* Knowledge of aluminium body structures, body panels and/or composite manufacturing processes, including carbon fibre technologies.* Expertise in GD&T, measurement techniques and quality requirements relating to fit, finish and appearance.* Demonstrated experience coaching and developing others, with the ability to share knowledge, influence peers and support the growth of less experienced team members.* Strong presentation and communication skills, with experience translating complex technical topics into clear messages for senior and cross-functional audiences.* Experience leading improvement projects or business workstreams, with a track record of delivering sustainable process and procedural improvements.* The ability to assess manufacturing capability, identify risks and influence both internal and supplier stakeholders.* A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving, using methodologies such as 8D to deliver sustainable improvements.* Degree qualified in Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.* The ability to operate independently, make sound decisions and provide leadership support within a high-performing team environment.* A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to travel when required.What We'll Do for YouWe 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