Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing

Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) On-site
Paddock

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead aerodynamic surfacing projects for cutting-edge Formula 1 car designs.
  • Company: Join the iconic Aston Martin Formula One Team in Silverstone.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, private healthcare, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on F1 car performance and shape the future of racing.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in F1 aerodynamic surfacing and expert CAD skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Help shape the aerodynamic performance of a Formula 1 car. We’re looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer with a strong background in Formula 1 aerodynamic surfacing to lead the delivery of high-quality aerodynamic geometry for CFD, wind tunnel testing and race car development. Working closely with Aerodynamicists and fellow designers, you’ll take ownership of major surfacing projects, translating aerodynamic concepts into precise, high-quality geometry that meets performance, legality and programme requirements. This is an opportunity to combine advanced surfacing expertise with technical leadership, driving design quality, developing methodologies and helping shape the aerodynamic performance of our car. Your work will directly contribute to our ambition to challenge at the front of the grid.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the planning, design and delivery of complex aerodynamic surfacing projects, from concept through to release for CFD, wind tunnel testing and race car application.
  • Own geometry quality, legality and delivery timing, ensuring designs meet aerodynamic requirements and programme deadlines.
  • Develop and optimise advanced CAD surfacing techniques, parametric methodologies and design workflows in collaboration with Aerodynamicists.
  • Drive continuous improvement in design tools, processes and standards to improve efficiency, consistency and surfacing quality.
  • Support FIA legality checking, maintain regulation box CAD models and ensure compliance with relevant technical regulations.
  • Identify technical risks and delivery constraints early, providing clear progress updates and solutions to senior stakeholders.
  • Champion technical excellence, collaboration and consistent best practice across the Aerodynamic Surfacing group.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other designers, helping develop capability and maintain high standards across the team.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

  • Extensive experience in Formula 1 aerodynamic surfacing, with a proven track record of delivering complex geometry for wind tunnel, CFD and race car development.
  • Expert CAD skills and advanced surface modelling capability, including complex geometry and parametric design methodologies.
  • Strong understanding of aerodynamic development processes and the interfaces between surfacing, CFD, wind tunnel testing and vehicle programmes.
  • Experience managing complex design projects, balancing technical quality, legality and delivery under demanding deadlines.
  • Knowledge of FIA technical regulations and legality checking methods.
  • Experience improving surfacing tools, workflows and design methodologies, with the ability to influence technical direction.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving and leadership skills, including the ability to guide and develop other designers.
  • A proactive, collaborative and solution-focused approach, with the judgement to balance competing technical and programme priorities.

Make an impact

At Aston Martin Aramco, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the geometry that underpins our aerodynamic development, working alongside talented specialists to turn innovative concepts into solutions that contribute directly to car performance. You’ll help drive technical excellence across the Aerodynamic Surfacing group, shape how complex design challenges are approached and contribute to our ambition to challenge at the front of the grid. If you have the F1 aerodynamic surfacing experience, technical depth and drive to make a difference, we’d like to hear from you.

Benefits

Investing in your career is paramount. We promote professional and personal development through a provision of learning opportunities and work with you to shape your career and realise your full potential. As part of our high-performing, collaborative team, you'll enjoy a competitive package, including a discretionary bonus scheme, private healthcare, pension plan, life assurance, TEDSgroup childcare benefits, a cycle-to-work scheme, tech scheme, and car scheme. You will also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, featuring a new on-site gym with fitness, spin and yoga classes, a bistro café, and restaurant.

Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing employer: Paddock

At Williams F1 Team, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within our cutting-edge aerodynamics department. Our employees benefit from unparalleled growth opportunities in the fast-paced world of motorsport, alongside access to state-of-the-art facilities that enhance their skills and expertise. Join us in a role where your contributions directly impact race performance, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence.

Paddock

Contact Details:

Paddock Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing role you’re after at Paddock.

✨Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Paddock a taste of what you can bring to the table!

✨Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Paddock.

✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing at Paddock, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing

Aerodynamic Surfacing
CAD Skills
Surface Modelling
Parametric Design Methodologies
Aerodynamic Development Processes
Project Management
FIA Technical Regulations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Design Engineer - Aerodynamic Surfacing, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Paddock a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Paddock specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Paddock

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Paddock, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Paddock want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.