At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of high-performance powertrain systems and innovative ICE technology.
- Company: Join Gibson Technology, a leader in motorsport engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Normal hours are Monday to Friday, with opportunities for mentorship and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge powertrain systems in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or 8 years of relevant experience in motorsport powertrains.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
Gibson Technology is globally recognised for engineering excellence in designing, developing and manufacturing high‑performance engines and powertrain systems for world‑leading race series. Renowned for our LMP2 powertrains, we’ve been delivering cutting‑edge engineering solutions that push the limits of performance for over 40 years. Our achievements can be attributed to our highly skilled and committed workforce consistently delivering excellence and innovation at the highest level of motorsport.
Are you ready to lead innovation at the cutting edge of powertrain engineering? We have an exceptional opportunity for a Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer to shape the next‑generation of high‑performance internal combustion engines (ICE) and advanced powertrain systems. As a strategic technical leader, you’ll set the vision, guide engineering teams and drive innovation for powertrain systems across a diverse range of projects. From pushing the limits of performance to exploring pioneering technologies, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering our engineering direction and influencing key organisational decisions.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development of advanced powertrain systems and high‑performance ICE technology.
- Undertake powertrain system and control design, development, test, commission and operation for a broad range of demanding endurance race applications.
- Align engineering innovation with the company’s strategic business goals.
- Guide, mentor and inspire engineers within your network, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
- Ensure our technology remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
This is more than a technical role—it’s your opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our products, our teams and our future. Alongside the responsibilities of a Senior Applications Engineer, you’ll take on Principal‑level leadership to set the standard for powertrain systems engineering excellence. If you have the vision, drive and expertise to lead at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Direction setting for ICE and Powertrain Systems Development:- Create and set the system‑level technical direction for the development and optimisation of motorsport products and engine‑based performance powertrains.
- Define and deliver system roadmaps, concepts, architecture, control, test and operation.
- Set direction and lead the company’s selection and use of appropriate powertrain and system development simulation tools and equipment.
- Set and maintain the standards and processes required to meet the technical direction including all associated project activities and documentation.
- Collaborate with company leadership to define and integrate powertrain system development engineering initiatives into the broader business strategy.
- Lead powertrain development activities including engine and ancillary component operation in simulation, Labcar, dynamometer and vehicle applications (as necessary).
- Development and fine‑tuning powertrain control strategies, optimising whole‑powertrain calibrations, undertaking data analysis from track testing and dyno sessions, conducting root cause analysis and solution generation for engine and powertrain operational issues.
- Serve as a group Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing guidance and leadership for complex technical challenges and critical decisions to both engineering and leadership staff as appropriate.
- Define and articulate the long‑term vision and strategy for powertrain and system engineering within the organisation across the whole lifecycle: concept, architecture, system development, control, test and sign‑off.
- Identify emerging technologies, trends and opportunities to maintain a competitive edge in powertrain system development.
- Provide remote race support with rapid diagnostics, troubleshooting and implementation of solutions prior to or during race weekends under pressure.
- Work closely with other technical leaders, project leaders and key stakeholders to align engineering efforts with company strategic, project and customer goals.
- Manage timelines, performance, resource alignment and budgets for engine and powertrain development engineering tasks within larger projects.
- Act as a mentor and advisor to senior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Build and develop technical capabilities within the organisation, identifying skill gaps and driving training initiatives.
- Drive innovation by championing and implementing new methodologies, tools and technologies within the organisation.
- Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, cost reduction, sustainability and scalability of powertrain system development activities.
Essential Skills for this Role
Key Competencies:- Strategic, system‑level thinking combined with a practical and pragmatic approach to solving critical technical challenges.
- Excellent analytical problem‑solving skills combined with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to organise and successfully lead multiple complex technical subjects across multiple projects and to prioritise tasks effectively to meet objectives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of communicating and influencing internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Passion for performance, innovation and competition.
What we are looking for
- Degree in an appropriate engineering subject and/or 8 years of experience in a similar engineering role ideally within modern motorsport powertrain engineering or high‑performance automotive engineering sector.
- Demonstrable hands‑on experience in a broad range of engine and powertrain system development, race engineering or performance road car engine applications for, for example, FIA, WEC, GT3, Formula, or OEM motorsport divisions.
- Deep understanding of combustion engines with respect to design, construction, optimisation, thermodynamics and combustion control.
- Highly experienced and expert‑level powertrain system performance optimisation, control, calibration and reliability engineering in a fast‑paced, competitive development environment.
- Wide working knowledge of specialist engine and powertrain engineering and control software including design, simulation and test such as Ricardo WAVE, GT‑Power, INCA, CANalyser, Pi Toolbox, MATLAB/Simulink and appropriate 1‑D combustion/thermodynamic modelling tools.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Career growth and training opportunities
- Company pension scheme
- Supportive and dynamic work environment
This is an excellent opportunity to join our team. Normal working hours are Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm and, due to our location in Repton, Derbyshire, we recommend applicants have access to their own vehicle. Competitive salary in line with experience and market rates with full details provided at the point of initial contact.
Closing Date for applications 31st July 2026. We can’t wait to hear from you! If you are passionate about systems engineering and want to be part of a dynamic team, please send your CV and a cover letter to our recruiting team.
Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer in Repton employer: Motorsport Network
Gibson Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters innovation and technical excellence in the high-performance motorsport sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide ample career development opportunities and mentorship, ensuring our team members are equipped to lead the future of powertrain engineering. Located in Repton, Derbyshire, our company not only champions cutting-edge technology but also values work-life balance with competitive salaries and a collaborative culture that inspires creativity and passion for performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer in Repton
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer in Repton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
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Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Motorsport Network and the Principal Powertrain Systems Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motorsport Network
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Motorsport Network.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
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As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Motorsport Network.
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Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Motorsport Network, making you a more appealing candidate.
