Snr SQD Engineer Composites Automotive

Snr SQD Engineer Composites Automotive Ref #58899

Date posted

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Country United Kingdom Location Woking Business  areaSQDDepartment

Supplier Quality Assurance Position level5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-16)
Working time

Full Time Contract type

Permanent

Working pattern9am - 6pm Monday to Friday What to Expect You’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 work streams 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, motor sport 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 work streams, 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…