Aero Performance Engineer – Experiments and Track Technology

Job description

At McLaren Racing, we believe only by chasing performance in everything we do, can we give ourselves the best chance of success. Performance on track and in the factory. Performance for our people, our business and our partners. It’s about more than winning. It’s about hitting the highest standards, and then raising the bar again.

Purpose of the Role:

We are looking for an engineer with expertise in measurement techniques and a passion for innovation who can strengthen our track aero performance capabilities. The level of seniority will depend on the candidate skills and experience, but a minimum level of experimental experience is required.

Aero Performance is a multi-functional team at the core of our performance-led organisation. Our mission is to transparently and confidently provide the most accurate and clear information, in a timely manner, to lead decision-making for development, performance, and operational teams. We aim to maximise championship points from each event and future projects by integrating data analysis collection, mining, and visualisation, with aerodynamic interpretation and all aspects of driver and vehicle performance.

This role will contribute to the development of track technology to elevate our measurement standards, consolidate existing practices and processes while researching alternative opportunities to maximise on-track learning.

Role Dimensions:

The role sits in the Aero Performance team who are responsible for directing the development of existing and new technologies to maximise on-track performance and learning, to influence the wider team.

The role will involve close cooperation with other members of the Aero Performance team, the Wind Tunnel Technology team as well as R&D, Electronics and Vehicle Modelling teams, and frequent liaison with the wider Aerodynamics department.

You are expected to be primarily factory-based at MTC (or days of WFH as agreed with your manager in line with company policy) but may involve occasional travel to track or suppliers.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Represent the ultimate expertise in measurement technology and experimental aerodynamics with an on-track focus

• Promote fundamental studies that highlight opportunities of research and performance-delivering projects

• Stay abreast of latest advancements in technology in other academic or specialised engineering businesses that can propel track aerodynamic understanding

• Think conceptually and practically on innovative solutions (an idea, a sensor, a piece of research, a model change, …) to characterise the track flow physics

• Propose track experiments and coordinate with the Head of Aero Performance and Trackside Aero Lead for additional experiments

• Connect with our data science and machine learning experts to drive vehicle measurements and modelling improvements

• Connect profoundly with Aerodynamic development, to enhance the Team performance

• Collaborate with Vehicle Modelling, Research And Development and Data Science to maximise team outcome

• Maintain consistent standards and approaches adopted by the team

Job requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• MSc or PhD in Aerodynamics, Engineering, Physics, Data Science, or equivalent discipline (2:1 or above)

• Strong knowledge of experimental aerodynamics, with both on- and off-body techniques

• Strong knowledge of low-speed aerodynamic theory

• Proven experience in data analysis and statistics

• Ability to interpret complex data sets to understand underlying behaviour

• Ability to plan and organise projects to pre-agreed targets

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders

Preferred:

• Knowledge of electronics and engineering design fundamentals

• Experience of using CAD tools

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB.

Personal Attributes:

• Enthusiasm for engineering and science

• Aptitude to teach as well as learn from others

• Open-mindedness when adapting to high amount of complex new information

• Ability to work to tight deadlines

• Comfortable with rapid changes to planned work

• Ability to expand on an idea and propose solutions to problems

• Objective, data driven approach

• High attention to details

• Promote collaborative work when discussing results

• A team player but with the initiative to make own decisions ad work with minimal supervision

What McLaren can offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.

Please note the deadline for applying to this role is the 4th August. Any applications received after this date will not be considered.