McLaren Automotive Ltd
Senior SQD Engineer Powertrain ICE

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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
- 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What You'll Bring
- 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.


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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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