R&D: Simulation and Test & Development Industrial Placements in London

Overview

Join the Research and Development Department as we take on the challenge of Formula One’s exciting new era of sustainable technical regulations. By spending your year in industry with us, you will:

• Apply your learning in one of the most technically demanding global sports
• Take on responsibility as you are supported and trained throughout your year
• Join us for a year-long placement from the end of June 2026 to the end of July 2027
• Work in a fast-paced environment at our state-of-the-art factory in Brackley, United Kingdom
• Be an integral part of a cohort of students working across all functions of our team

We are offering two Research and Development placements within our team:

• R&D Simulation Placement – providing simulation and analysis support across all areas of the car, from Powertrain and Mechanical to Composites and Electronics
• T&D Engineering Placement – providing engineering support to the T&D laboratory during test events or through capability development projects

Whichever placement you join, you will be contributing directly to understanding of car behaviour, supporting track and test events, and helping the team make better engineering decisions.

Example Projects and Responsibilities:

• Using a wide range of data analysis tools and techniques to investigate car behaviour and anomalies
• Coding in MATLAB and Python to deliver and maintain automated data processing, analysis and visualisation methods
• Developing new techniques to proactively identify future opportunities and concerns
• Supporting race and test events from Mission Control, monitoring the health and performance of Powertrain and Mechanical systems
• Devising and following experiments for customers across the business, analysing experimental data acquired in the lab, on the dyno, or directly from the car
• Improving our testing or measurement capabilities to ensure accurate and reliable data
• Owning feedback loops for analysis methods – working on immediate containments for issues and developing long-term countermeasures

Successful candidates will:

• Be currently studying a degree relevant to engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Automotive, Aeronautical, Mechatronics, Electronics, Physics)
• Have at least one year remaining on your current course or be enrolled on your next course from the point at which you start your placement with us
• Be curious, committed to continuous learning and able to adapt quickly to change
• Take full ownership of their work, driving projects forward with initiative and independence
• Show determination and resilience when facing challenges

Additional desirable criteria:

• Hands-on experimental experience.
• Experienced in data analysis and problem-solving using data.
• Demonstrable interests outside your course that are relevant to the placement.
• Skills in one or more of the following would be beneficial:

• Data analysis, instrumentation, and sensors.
• Programming (Python and/or MATLAB)
• Dynamic simulation (e.g. Simulink, Dymola, AMESim)
• CFD (e.g. Fluent, nanoFluidX, ParticleWorks)
• Practical experience with motor/electric vehicles (Formula Student, volunteering or racing in a series, building a kit car)
• Track record in outreach activities (volunteering, charity work, mentoring).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present data in accessible formats to a wide range of stakeholders.

Skills you could gain from your placement:

• Analysing live and logged data to draw conclusions on system health
• Enhanced programming skills in Python and MATLAB to understand and help to solve complex engineering problems
• Knowledge of car systems, test methods and rig capabilities in a motorsport environment
• Understanding experimental testing procedures and measurement capabilities
• Planning experiments with data quality in mind and applying the latest sensor technologies
• Interpreting and visualising data, relating it to underlying physics and presenting clear conclusions
• Generating statistical metrics to quantify data quality
• Working effectively across multiple disciplines (within the Research and Development group we consist of Engineering, Operations, Materials Science, Computer Aided Engineering, and Design)

Please note that we plan for full training to be provided in our simulation packages, data analysis and testing methods as part of the scheduling of the placement. It does not matter whether you already have an interest in motorsport: We are looking for individuals who are passionate about reaching their full potential and are excited about constantly learning.

Benefits:

When you put the effort in, we give it back. Start with a competitive salary, a generous joining bonus, add in a world-class wellbeing programme (including a free on-site gym), delicious subsidised food, and private medical cover - all on our riverside campus powered by 100% renewable energy. You’ll have everything you need to thrive both inside and outside of work.

How to apply:

• Submit your CV and cover letter as a single PDF to our Workday portal
• Complete our application form

Our IP programme is designed with the intent to progress into available graduate roles in the future. You will be required to meet the eligibility criteria of the IP programme including any right to work requirements for your application to progress. As these roles are based in the UK, any visa sponsorship must meet current Home Office immigration rules.