At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of aerodynamic surfaces and components for high-performance race cars.
- Company: Join McLaren Racing, a leader in motorsport innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in F1 by turning concepts into high-quality solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and advanced CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
As a Senior Specialist, Aerodynamics Design Engineer, you will play a leading technical role in the Aero Design team, developing aerodynamic surfaces, wind tunnel model components and assemblies that contribute directly to race car performance. You will combine advanced surfacing and mechanical engineering expertise with technical leadership, supporting development projects, improving CAD methods and mentoring colleagues. Working closely with aerodynamicists and teams across engineering and production, you will help turn aerodynamic concepts into high-quality, manufacturable solutions.
What You'll Do
- Create robust, high-quality parametric CAD models that meet aerodynamic specifications, Formula 1 regulations and departmental engineering standards.
- Design race car aerodynamic surfaces, wind tunnel model parts and assemblies, providing the information required for manufacture, preparation, pre-fit and setup.
- Apply expert knowledge of component packaging and wind tunnel model systems to plan work, forecast lead times and deliver projects to agreed deadlines.
- Lead technical problem-solving, influence engineering initiatives and improve the team’s CAD methodologies and best practices.
- Mentor junior colleagues and collaborate with aerodynamicists, CFD, model making, production, wind tunnel, R&D and vehicle engineering teams.
What You'll Bring
- A degree in mechanical, automotive or aeronautical engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Advanced experience in 3D CAD surfacing and solid modelling, with the ability to produce robust parametric geometry.
- Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, design for manufacture and high-quality engineering release processes.
- Experience planning and delivering technically complex work to agreed targets within a collaborative engineering environment.
- Experience in Formula 1, motorsport or high-performance automotive engineering would be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
- A collaborative communicator who builds strong working relationships across technical and operational teams.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage priorities and deliver accurate work to demanding deadlines.
- Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership while supporting the development of others.
- Proactive and improvement-focused, with a practical, analytical approach to solving problems.
- Thorough, resilient and results-focused, with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high performance.
Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We're committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work. Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You'll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive. Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we're committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.
Interested in this role? Applications close 15 Nov 2026. You apply on McLaren F1 Team's own site.
Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer in Woking 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer in Woking
✨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 Paddock for a Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer. 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 Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Paddock, 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 Paddock, 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 Paddock
✨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 Paddock.
✨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 Paddock. 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 Paddock love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
