Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer

Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
McLaren F1 Team

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design cutting-edge aerodynamic surfaces for our Formula 1 car and collaborate with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join McLaren, a pioneering racing team setting high performance standards.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance, and a generous pension.
  • Other info: Work at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre with excellent facilities and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of racing history and make an impact in the world of motorsport.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience; strong CAD skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. Everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching and measure your progress in milliseconds, you belong here. High performance starts with you.

As we continue to develop our performance on track, we are expanding our Aerodynamics Design capability and are seeking experienced engineers to join us at Senior and Lead level.

Purpose of the role:

You’ll play a key role in designing race car aerodynamic surfaces and wind tunnel model components, contributing to the development and performance of our Formula 1 car. Working as part of a highly collaborative team, you’ll support the delivery of development projects, with responsibility aligned to your level of experience.

What You’ll Do:

  • Design aerodynamic surfaces and wind tunnel model components using CAD
  • Support the delivery of development projects to quality and timing targets
  • Work closely with aerodynamicists, CFD, model shop, production, and vehicle engineering teams
  • Apply engineering standards, CAD methodologies, and relevant regulations
  • Contribute to problem solving and continuous improvement
  • Support project planning, including forecasting lead times

What You’ll Bring:

  • Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aeronautical Engineering or similar (or equivalent experience)
  • Strong 3D CAD capability
  • Understanding of engineering drawings
  • Relevant experience depending on level (student, industrial, or professional)
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office tools

Personal Attributes:

  • Collaborative team player with strong communication skills
  • Well organised with the ability to manage priorities
  • Proactive, solution-focused mindset
  • High attention to detail and quality
  • Open to feedback and continuous improvement
  • Driven, resilient, and focused on delivering results

What Can McLaren 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.

Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer employer: McLaren F1 Team

At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the high-performance motorsport industry, offering an inspiring work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our state-of-the-art McLaren Technology Centre near Woking not only provides exceptional facilities but also promotes employee well-being with amenities like a gym and green spaces. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we empower our team members to grow and excel in their careers while contributing to the legacy of racing excellence.

McLaren F1 Team

Contact Details:

McLaren F1 Team Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with McLaren F1 Team for a Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Lead Aerodynamics Design Engineer

3D CAD Capability
Aerodynamic Design
Wind Tunnel Model Components Design
Engineering Standards Application
Problem Solving
Continuous Improvement
Project Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at McLaren F1 Team, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At McLaren F1 Team, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren F1 Team

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with McLaren F1 Team.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with McLaren F1 Team. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like McLaren F1 Team love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.