Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - FRO (18-24m FTC) in Biggin Hill

Are you ready to make your mark in the world of Formula 1? At Formula 1, we are passionate about delivering the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle leaving a positive legacy wherever we race. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do ever since our first Grand Prix in 1950. Now, more than 75 years on, the sport remains a pioneer, developing technologies that have made a significant impact on society beyond the track.

Role Overview: We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team and support with our FRO project. Reporting into our Mechanical Design Manager, this role will design, develop and produce high quality, reliable mechanical solutions (including comprehensive documentation).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop and produce high quality, reliable mechanical solutions (including comprehensive documentation).
• Design and draught components and assemblies for all Mechanical Engineering and R&D projects.
• Support, modify, maintain & repair all FOM mechanical systems (in the UK and abroad), including rapid fault finding, evaluation and diagnosing of problems that occur, in an accurate and timely manner.
• Carrying out 3D modelling & 2D design/ draught work whilst maintaining/ updating and modifying existing designs/ diagrams.
• Liaise efficiently with other staff/ departments/ teams and outside organisations (manufacturers, suppliers, and consultancies), establishing and maintaining effective and efficient relations, overcoming problems and defining requirements.
• Decompose complex problems and produce simple and effective solutions, whilst also designing innovative cutting-edge solutions for other projects.
• Administer Windchill/PDMLink, drawing identification database and Drawing Office documentation.
• Carry out full design cycle project/task work, through Conception, Design, Development, Prototyping, Testing, Diagnosing, Manufacture and Commissioning.
• Produce high quality, reliable products/ systems that require minimal maintenance and support.
• Estimate accurately project and tasks duration and costing.
• Produce appropriate and complete documentation for all designs/ enhancements/ projects worked on.
• Report (including producing reports) as required by the R&D Groups’ Management.
• Hand over completed projects & assembly modifications to operationally responsible departments, with relevant documentation and assist operational departments as required regarding any issues that may arise.
• Perform the role of R&D (Mechanical) support representative at events abroad.
• Occasionally travel to events abroad as Maintenance Technician when required; assist co-ordinate rigging and de-rigging mechanical equipment and structures as required.
• Support, advise and from time to time assist operational departments with their activities and duties, also assist Technicians when required.
• Own end‑to‑end delivery of complex mechanical engineering projects, driving timely execution through clear technical direction, disciplined planning, risk management, and decisive ownership of scope, cost, schedule, and performance to meet programme milestones and business commitments, supported by strong technical reporting and documentation expertise.
• Lead mechanical engineers to deliver right‑first‑time design solutions through strong technical governance, mentoring, and accountability, ensuring alignment across stakeholders, suppliers, and manufacturing to achieve predictable, high‑quality delivery.

What Are We Looking For?

Personal Qualities

• Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks, being capable of working on large projects and small tasks in parallel.
• Working effectively/efficiently in a team as well as individually.
• The ability to adapt effectively to changing targets and objectives and ensure tight deadlines are achieved.
• Ability to communicate clearly and in a professional manner with colleagues, team members, other departments, managers & outside organisations.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Self-motivated.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Engineering Product Design / similar discipline or HND.

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in designing with PTC Creo.
• Experience of using AutoCAD software.
• At least 5 years’ experience in administering and releasing using Windchill PDMLink 10.1. or similar.
• Highly self-motivated and driven individual with outstanding communication skills.
• Experience in mathematical analysis for complex designs.
• Experience and in-depth knowledge of drawing standards specifically technical product specification BS8888.
• Mechanical projects management experience.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven hands-on practical skills and good understanding/sense of aesthetics, ergonomics, shock and vibration effects.
• Familiar with a comprehensive range of materials and manufacturing systems.
• Competent in writing technical reports, specifications and user documentation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate reports.
• Good computer literacy.
• Incorporating sustainability into designs to align with company targets.
• Able to manage a team of design engineers.
• Able to manage multiple large-scale projects concurrently.
• Knowledge of aluminium fabrication design.
• Experience of low volume manufacture and bespoke product design.

Career Progression - Where Can You Go Next?

Your next career move could include progressing into team management or technical leadership.

Why join the force behind the sport?

Joining F1 means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. We offer a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard, and employee contributions truly make an impact. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people to play their role in accelerating the future of the sport. As a member of the F1 team, you will be able to access our amazing benefits:

• Private Healthcare scheme
• Dental Care
• 4 x Grand Prix Paddock passes per season
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
• A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding train stations near to Biggin Hill
• Free healthy snacks in our offices
• Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
• 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
• Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in-house Learning and Development team
• Discount on F1 merchandise
• Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
• Perkbox benefit portal and more

Division: Technical