Supplier Quality Development; SQD Engineer

Position: Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer
Job Title Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer Location Woking Department Supplier  Quality Assurance We are hiring 6x SQD Engineers on a 24 month fixed term contract. Please note we will consider locations in Bicester & Woking.

Please see commodities below:3 x ICE Propulsion1x Composites2x Electrical Propulsion 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-IATF
16949 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.
* Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement.
* 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: IATF
16949 and AIAG standard…