Job Description
Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) Engineer – BIW
As part of McLaren Automotive’s multi-propulsion strategy and ongoing growth, we are strengthening our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team. This role will focus on managing suppliers for Body in White (BIW) components, ensuring that high quality, delivery, and reliability standards are met across new and existing vehicle programmes.
What to Expect
You will work with suppliers of BIW commodity components including structural stampings, aluminium castings, extrusions, composite panels, adhesive bonding systems, and complete body 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.
What You’ll Do
Supplier Sourcing & Qualification
* Conduct thorough assessments of supplier global sites to ensure a competent and reliable supply base.
* Ensure non-IATF16949 suppliers achieve certification in line with approved nomination plans.
* Collaborate with Engineering and Purchasing to select and nominate capable suppliers aligned with programme requirements.
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & PPAP
* 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.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Process Feasibility
* 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.
Launch & Series Production Support
* 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.
Series Supplier Management & Governance
* 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
Risk Management & Issue Resolution
* 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
Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement
* Develop and implement improvement strategies with suppliers to enhance performance and capability.
What You’ll Bring
* Strong understanding of Body In White (BIW) supply chains and processes within automotive manufacturing.
* Knowledge of Aluminium alloys, high-strength steels, carbon fibre composites, and advanced lightweight materials
* Experience with core quality tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, and SPC.
* Working knowledge of IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
* Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) for component fit and finish.
* Familiarity with durability and performance validation for mechanical systems.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, SAP, and CATIA viewer.
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: IATF16949 and AIAG standard practices
* Engineering Standards: Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
* Digital & Systems Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SAP, and CATIA.Degree-level qualification in a technical engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.