Graduate Aerodynamicist

Overview

At McLaren Racing, we’re looking for Associate Aerodynamicists to push us further and faster. To tackle our biggest Aerodynamic challenges with energy, innovation and respect. To make the most of our open and inclusive culture. To own the next chapter in our story.

Please note – we are looking for candidates who are able to start immediately, and/or candidates who could start in early 2026. As part of the application process you will be asked to give your earliest possible start date.

Purpose of the Role

To improve aerodynamic performance of the race car by contributing to the design and testing of new components and analysing CFD, wind tunnel, and track data.

Role Dimensions

• Develop aerodynamic concepts to add car performance.
• Sits within an Aerodynamics development group, reporting to an Aerodynamics Project Leader and guided by the Principal Aerodynamicist.
• Flexibility in working hours is required (some evenings and weekends).
• Some supporting of the on-site Wind Tunnel shifts as per agreed rotation.

Principal Accountabilities

• Develop aerodynamic solutions for the racing car that deliver performance, under the direction of the Aerodynamics Project Leader.
• Ensure that ideas and designs are legal and to the standards of surface quality and aerodynamic refinement of the department, and coherent with the overall objectives of the team.
• Manage your own projects effectively through the design, CFD, part preparation and wind tunnel test process, according to agreed deadlines and the requirements of the programme.
• Create CAD geometry under the direction of the Aerodynamics Project Leader.
• Submit CFD cases, deliver CFD analysis and input for your area of the car to deadlines.
• Liaise with the Design team to ensure the quality of surfaces and model parts.
• Prepare the wind tunnel test, ensuring that the projects are managed effectively in line with the wind tunnel planning.
• Liaise with the model shop and shift aero to ensure the quality of experiment in the wind tunnel.
• Oversee the project during the wind tunnel test.
• Analyse, report and follow-up on your projects.
• Conduct wind tunnel tests on a shift rota basis, reporting back as required.
• Build an understanding of the track environment and use data and driver feedback to assess performance of aerodynamic components.
• Summarise results and discuss with others the subsequent development directions.
• Attend team reviews, contributing to the ideas and design philosophy discussions about where to find further aero performance.
• Promote collaborative work when discussing results or defining development direction.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Good knowledge of flow structure characteristics and flow breakdown mechanisms
• Practical experience in experimental aerodynamics or CFD
• Experience of data driven analysis
• Experience of planning and organising projects to pre-agreed targets
• A degree in a relevant STEM subject area, or equivalent industry experience

Desirable

• Demonstrable CAD design experience, particularly experience with 3DX
• Aerothermal understanding and/or experience, e.g. through degree studies or projects

Personal Attributes

• A team player but with the initiative to make own decisions and work with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Self-starter, able to identify requirements independently, then make proposals for solutions.
• Curious, with a desire to seek out and share new ideas and knowledge with others
• Resilient in the face of challenges; able to work under pressure in an organised way, to tight deadlines, often with ever-changing priorities.
• Good communication skills, able to use different approaches to collaborate with a wide variety of team members at all levels and across different departments/disciplines
• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical approach, with attention to detail.
• Flexible approach to working hours

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.