Principal Design Engineer - Transmission in Wantage

We are currently recruiting a Principal Design Engineer to lead the Transmission team within our Powertrain group. Collaborating with the Head of Powertrain and the PUI team, you will be responsible for managing a subgroup of Designers and Senior Designers within the department, covering a wide variety of assemblies throughout the F1 car. You’ll play a key role in the overall design, development, and performance optimisation of our transmission systems, delivering robust, lightweight, high-performance solutions that operate flawlessly under extreme loads and dynamic conditions. In addition, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day management of a team of multidisciplinary engineers. We are looking for a team leader who can drive technical excellence while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture in the team.

The ideal candidate will be capable of guiding a multidisciplinary group, setting clear priorities, and ensuring alignment across the wider Powertrain, Vehicle Engineering, and relevant Operations departments.

As Principal Design Engineer you will:

• Be an influential member of the department holding authority for large engineering projects from concept to delivery and tasked with generating the most advanced, performant and reliable designs to agreed timeframes.
• Manage a team of highly talented engineers, supporting their development and growth, while ensuring they meet the team’s overall objectives.
• Design and develop components and assemblies within the transmission system, including gears, shafts, casings, bearings, clutches, and hydraulic actuation systems.
• Work with hydraulic specialists on lubrication, cooling, and actuation systems, integrating mechanical and hydraulic functions seamlessly.
• Conduct detailed analysis using simulation, CAD, and data-driven tools to validate concepts and correlate track performance.
• Take governance and validation for all engineering drawings in accordance with defined standards and procedures within the group.
• Liaise with the Program Managers to define deliverables, set workloads and resource requirements to ensure that targets are realistic and achievable.
• Take ownership of technical decision-making if requested for the department when Head of Department is not present.
• Be involved with departmental recruitment, individuals Annual Performance Reviews and Development Plans at the discretion of the Head of Department.
• Conduct design reviews within the team and on a larger scale across Vehicle Design.

Our ideal candidate is someone who has:

• An in-depth understanding of fundamental engineering principles.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification supported by design experience in a top-level motorsport field.
• Experience with simulation and stress calculations would also be advantageous.
• Strong CAD skills, ideally with experience of NX, however training will be provided for conversion from other CAD systems.
• Data analysis experience as it would be beneficial for this role.
• Effective and efficient people management skills along with a strong knowledge of contemporary F1 technology and design.
• An innovative approach to design and strong knowledge of manufacturing techniques is fundamental.
• A creative, proactive approach to problem-solving, along with good attention to detail.
• Confidence, and is well organised with the ability to clearly prioritise tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines, making sound decisions based on good judgement and seeking input as required.
• Ability to integrate and work collaboratively at every level within the organisation.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and trends.

Company Description: For almost 50 years, Williams Racing has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name. Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.

Additional Information: Atlassian Williams Racing is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.