Senior SQD Engineer Powertrain ICE

What to Expect

McLaren Automotive is building an exciting multi-propulsion future, and our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team has a central part to play. We are looking for a Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer to strengthen our Powertrain team and help our global suppliers deliver the quality, performance and reliability expected in every McLaren.

You will take ownership of suppliers responsible for critical powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, cooling systems, pumps, fans and fluid transfer components. Working from sourcing and industrialisation through to launch and series production, you will make sure suppliers are ready, processes are capable and risks are addressed early.

This is a visible, hands-on role with a global remit. You will spend time with suppliers, work closely with Engineering, Purchasing and Manufacturing, and use your technical judgement to solve complex problems and deliver successful vehicle programmes.

What You'll Do

• You will own supplier quality and development across a global Powertrain supply base, building capable partnerships and keeping quality, timing and delivery on track throughout the product lifecycle.
• Lead APQP and PPAP activity for new and changed components, ensuring risks, open issues and approvals are managed against programme timing.
• Work with Engineering and suppliers to improve design for manufacture, process capability, durability and product quality.
• Support programme launches through proactive supplier development, clear progress reporting and robust plans for every part.
• Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery and operational capability, leading audits, governance reviews and improvement plans.
• Lead the resolution of critical supplier issues using structured problem-solving, effective containment and sustainable corrective action.
  
  

What You'll Bring

You will be an experienced Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering or Supplier Development professional who understands how to turn technical requirements into capable, repeatable manufacturing processes. Comfortable working independently and influencing at every level, you will know when to challenge, when to support and how to keep suppliers and internal teams moving towards the same outcome.

• Strong knowledge of powertrain manufacturing processes, including machining, casting, forging, assembly and associated production technologies.

Experience leading supplier industrialisation, APQP and PPAP activity within complex vehicle development programmes.

The ability to assess manufacturing feasibility, process capability, capacity and supplier readiness.

Practical knowledge of FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D and DMAIC, together with IATF 16949 and AIAG requirements.

A strong understanding of GD&T and dimensional control in high-precision manufacturing environments.

Confident stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience handling supplier risk, performance and senior-level escalations.

Familiarity with SAP, Microsoft Office and CAD visualisation tools.

Fluent written and spoken English; additional languages would be useful when working across our global supplier base.

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.