Job Title
Senior SQD Engineer - Composites
Ref #
58899
Date posted
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
SQD
Department
Supplier Quality Assurance
Position level
5 - Supervisory / Professional​ - (L-16)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
What to Expect
You will be part of the BIW & Composites team within the Mclaren SQD function reporting directly to SQA Manager and Head of, so experience in body panel manufacture and quality management is a must. This includes but is not limited to, hot and cold forming processes, casting, and assembly methods typical with aluminium body panels. And/or have experience in composite parts and panel manufacture, including SMC, RTM and pre-preg processes in carbon fibre and other lightweight composite materials. In addition to this, and due to the sensitivity of achieving class leading quality levels, both from a F&F and aesthetic perspective, you must be proficient in GD&T and measurement, including the ability to interpret datum strategies on large complex assemblies. 
What You'll Do
  • Work with Cross Functional partners to drive collaborative behaviours to achieve optimum outcome for McLaren Profitability.  
  • Ensure new supplier site Sourcing is well researched to build and maintain a competent supply base.   
  • Support Supplier selection & development processes to achieve a self-sufficient supply base IATF 16949. Ensure Non IATF16949 suppliers deliver their certification qualification to the approved nomination plan. 
  • Support the implementation of APQP for all new tooled parts. 
  • Support Robust Manufacturing Feasibility strategy deployment and reviews. 
  • Ensure that allocated suppliers meet launch / delivery commitments in line with APQP  
  • Drive Supplier / Part Risk Assessments and develop risk mitigation actions.   
  • Identify Critical suppliers / parts that require full cross functional team engagement with the supplier.  
  • Provide supplier progress reporting to Purchasing and SQA Program team for: APQP open issues, PPAP part pedigree prior to each build phase and PPAP delivery forecast / actual confirmation.  
  • Track and manage PPAP part approval to agreed delivery plan.  
  • Manage Non PPAP part Concession process to ensure “Plan for every part” is established to support the builds. 
  • Deliver Quality & Capacity Verification in line with MDP targets. 
  • Drive Major open issue resolution at Key suppliers, to ensure Supplier Senior Management team are fully engaged in the resolution process. 
  • Develop improvement strategies with suppliers and ensure they are delivered. 
What You'll Bring
Knowledge, skills & experience: 
Business Knowledge 
  • Understanding of complete supply chain within McLaren and the suppliers 
  • Understand the Manufacturing process within MPC 
  • Ability to interrogate Programme plans and evaluate supplier’s ability to deliver, quality on time to meet company milestones. 
  • Must be capable of planning manufacture of their components at the supplier from goods in, to despatch, if required. 
  • Capable of carrying out effective scenario planning to establish potential mitigation actions, if required. 
  
Essential Functional / Technical Skills 
  • Technical Engineering qualified to Degree standard, or equivalent experience. 
  • Must have previous experience in supplier quality assurance, including multiple new model launches. 
  • Experience of leading suppliers through APQP 
  • Have an excellent understanding of: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC,  
  • Demonstrated structured approach to Problem Solving (8D) 
  • Practical use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP and CATIA 
  
Personal Attributes / Competencies 
  • Highly motivated, team player who can lead by example and act with integrity 
  • Good communication skills to deal with people of all levels both within McLaren and at Suppliers 
  • Well organised and delivery focused, with a demonstrable track record of on-time delivery in a high-pressure environment 
  • Self-sufficient with ability to prioritise workload and request help when appropriate 
  • A fast learner 
  • Flexibility in terms work patterns and travel, including short notice travel 
  • Capable of representing a world class automotive brand   
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. 

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