At a Glance
- Tasks: Join McLaren Racing to enhance race car performance through innovative aerodynamic design and testing.
- Company: Be part of a pioneering team at McLaren, known for excellence in motorsport.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, life insurance, generous pension contributions, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of racing while developing your skills in aerodynamics.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM or equivalent experience; knowledge of CFD and experimental aerodynamics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
At McLaren Racing, we’re looking for Associate Aerodynamicists to push us further and faster than ever. 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.
Key Information
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.
Graduate Aerodynamicist employer: McLaren Racing
At McLaren Racing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our state-of-the-art McLaren Technology Centre in Woking not only provides a stimulating environment for growth but also offers extensive benefits such as private healthcare, generous pension contributions, and access to top-notch facilities including a gym and restaurant. Join us to be part of a pioneering team where your contributions directly impact the future of racing and where your professional development is a priority.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Aerodynamicist
✨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 Racing for a Graduate Aerodynamicist. 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 Graduate Aerodynamicist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at McLaren Racing, 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 Racing, 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 Racing
✨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 Racing.
✨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 Racing. 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 Racing love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
