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.
Webinar Highlight
Hints and tips from Maria on how to put a great quality application together to McLaren.
To watch the full Gradcracker/McLaren Automotive webinar, click here.
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.
What to Expect
We are recruiting for Industrial Placement Interns to join our Corporate Quality team at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey. As a Corporate Quality Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of our quality function, playing a key role in ensuring that every McLaren vehicle meets the high standards expected of our brand.
This is a 12-month full-time Industrial Placement, designed for university students undertaking a placement year as part of a relevant degree programme. You will work alongside experienced quality engineers, data analysts, and programme managers to gain practical exposure to real-world challenges and solutions in automotive quality.
Please note this is an on-site position.
What You'll Do
As part of the Corporate Quality team, you will support a variety of projects and tasks across key areas including:
Technical & Programme Quality:
Assist with programme-level quality governance and support Q-Gate processes
Help coordinate fault tracking and contribute to cross-functional reviews
Support internal alignment on quality strategy and programme milestones
Vehicle Line Quality (VLQ):
Participate in vehicle inspections, test reviews, and fault identification
Contribute to warranty data analysis and assist in implementing corrective actions
Support continuous improvement initiatives linked to customer satisfaction
Product Quality Standards:
Help assess perceived quality in collaboration with Design, Engineering, and Marketing
Assist with tolerance analysis and benchmarking of key components and finishes
Support quality input into early-stage product development
Total Quality Management (TQM):
Support regulatory compliance checks and change control governance
Assist in tracking process adherence across departments
Gain exposure to key industry standards and audit processes
You will also take part in intern development workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities across the wider business.
What You'll Bring
Currently studying for a degree in Engineering, Automotive, Manufacturing, Business or a STEM-related field, and on track for a 2:1 or above
A genuine interest in quality systems, product integrity, and continuous improvement
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Comfortable using Excel, with some knowledge of data tools such as Power BI or Minitab being advantageous
Excellent organisational and communication skills
You must also bring a passion for cars, and a desire to work at the cutting edge of the automotive industry within our Corporate Quality business area.
Personal Attributes:
We’re looking for individuals who bring the mindset and behaviours needed to thrive in a fast-paced automotive environment. The most desirable attributes include:
Attention to detail - precise when reviewing data, inspecting vehicles, or completing reports
Analytical mindset - confident using numbers and logic to spot patterns and support decisions
Curiosity - interested in how products work, fail, and can be improved
Collaboration - keen to learn from others and contribute to team success
Adaptability - ready to tackle new challenges and switch focus when priorities shift
Resilience - able to maintain quality and composure in a high-performance setting
Proactivity - eager to take initiative, suggest improvements, and take ownership of your work
AI Proficiency – comfortable using AI tools ethically and effectively to support learning, productivity and problem-solving.
Passion for engineering excellence - excited by innovation, performance, and pushing boundaries
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
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
Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Opportunities to experience our fantastic cars
We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)
1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11
Job ID Number: 59529
Can I use AI to apply?
While AI can be useful to help structure your thoughts and to check grammar, please do not rely on AI to write your CV and cover letter for you - it is easy to spot when you do! We want to see that your application is genuine, as this is our opportunity to get to know more about you.