At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative designs from concept to prototype in a dynamic engineering team.
- Company: Join Williams Racing, a legendary F1 team with 16 World Championship titles.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, mentorship opportunities, and the thrill of motorsport engineering.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team tackling exciting challenges in the fast-paced world of F1.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering with significant design experience; strong CAD skills preferred.
- Other info: Embrace the chance to mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
For almost 50 years, Williams Racing has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name.
Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Senior Design Engineer, you’ll own complete engineering projects – from bold conceptual ideas to detailed design – while supporting R&D and production teams throughout build, test, and fault-resolution phases. Your work will directly influence the performance, reliability, and success of cutting-edge automotive systems.
You’ll lead fault investigations, support drawing and assembly checks, and mentor student engineers. Alongside your project responsibilities, you’ll also drive continuous improvement, contributing to smarter, more efficient design practices across the team.
About You
You combine strong technical ability with a proactive attitude and a solid understanding of engineering design principles, detailed drawings, and modern CAD tools (Siemens NX). You take pride in producing precise, high-quality work. You’re self-motivated, calm under pressure, and confident taking ownership of key projects from concept to completion.
Clear communication and balanced judgement come naturally to you, and you work well with colleagues across all disciplines. As a senior, you lead by example and contribute to building a positive, high-performance team culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
- Develop lightweight, structurally efficient, cost-effective solutions with a keen eye for mass, stiffness and performance trade-offs.
- Produce supporting structural and functional calculations.
- Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, vehicle science, electronics, chassis, stress, transmission, R&D, production and external suppliers.
- Write clear technical procedures and system specifications.
- Lead fault investigations and implement timely, robust fixes.
- Support drawing and assembly checking, and provide Class 5 sign-off with stress engineering.
- Mentor student placements and help shape the next generation of engineering talent.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working with senior engineers to enhance design efficiency across the team.
- Act as a key point of contact for project allocation, supplier engagement, and user-acceptance activities.
What You Bring
We’re looking for someone who combines exceptional technical skill with leadership potential, creativity, and collaboration.
You’ll excel in this role if you have:
- Strong understanding of engineering design for components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
- Familiarity with CAD and engineering software used in vehicle design (NX experience a bonus—training available).
- Superb attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.
- A proactive, self-motivated mindset with the confidence to lead projects independently.
- A positive, open, and team-focused attitude, able to inspire colleagues at all levels.
- Excellent judgement, integrity and communication skills.
- Strong organisational abilities with a clear sense of prioritisation.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Proven technical expertise in your specialism, with the ability to lead and own significant engineering projects.
Additional Information
Atlassian Williams Racing is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.
Senior Design Engineer - Composites employer: Williams Racing
Contact Detail:
Williams Racing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Engineer - Composites
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in composite materials engineering. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the motorsport and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Senior Composite Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led design initiatives, particularly those involving composites. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring experience by preparing examples of how you've guided junior engineers. This aligns with the role's requirement for collaboration and support within the team, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Engineer - Composites
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Composite Design Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with composites materials engineering and relevant manufacturing technologies.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your experience in motorsport, aerospace, or related fields. Emphasise your design experience, CAD skills, and any projects where you demonstrated end-to-end ownership.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for motorsport engineering and how your skills align with the company's goals. Mention specific experiences that showcase your problem-solving abilities and collaborative mindset.
Showcase Your Projects: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of previous projects that demonstrate your expertise in composite design and engineering. Highlight any innovative solutions you implemented and the impact they had on project outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Williams Racing
✨Showcase Your Composites Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of composite materials and manufacturing technologies during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied this knowledge, as it will demonstrate your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Since conducting design reviews is a key part of the job, practice explaining your design processes clearly and concisely. Think about how you would present your designs to both individual engineers and the entire team, focusing on how you meet regulatory and structural requirements.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Given the collaborative nature of the role, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Discuss your experience in mentoring junior engineers and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement, which aligns with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you approached problem-solving. Highlight your proactive approach and attention to detail, as these qualities are essential for success in a fast-paced environment like Formula One.