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- Tasks: Support our inaugural British Formula 4 season with engineering expertise and driver development.
- Company: Join FAT Racing, a groundbreaking motorsport startup focused on merit-based success.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, pension scheme, and 33 days holiday after probation.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team that challenges the traditional pay-driver model in racing.
- Qualifications: Two years in motorsport or vehicle dynamics, with strong data analysis skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work on advanced technologies across motorsport disciplines.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Upper Heyford
About FAT Racing
FAT Racing is a high-performance motorsport startup built on merit, ambition, and the belief that talent — not budget — should decide who succeeds in racing. Launching with our inaugural 2026 British Formula 4 season, we are creating a fully‑funded, performance‑based pathway from grassroots karting to professional motorsport. We exist to challenge the traditional pay‑driver model. No pay seats. No shortcuts. Just performance. As a first‑season organisation with plans to scale into Formula 3 and Formula 2, this is a ground‑floor opportunity in a fast‑moving, high‑pressure environment. We’re looking for driven individuals who thrive on high standards, ownership, and being part of something that’s building momentum.
Role Summary
FAT Racing is seeking a Performance Engineer to support our inaugural 2026 British Formula 4 season and contribute to our mission of creating a merit‑based pathway from grassroots karting to professional motorsport. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast‑growing motorsport start‑up at the ground floor. You’ll work at the intersection of professional racing operations and advanced engineering, collaborating with our F4 partner team to deliver technical excellence while building capabilities that will scale as FAT Racing expands into Formula 3 and Formula 2. As Performance Engineer, you’ll provide engineering support before, during, and after testing and race weekends throughout the 2026 British F4 season. You will play a key role in developing our young drivers trackside and on the Driver‑in‑the‑Loop simulator, as well as developing in‑house capabilities through lap time simulation, vehicle modelling, and correlation testing. Beyond F4, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to Smedley Group’s Advanced Technologies projects, working alongside industry leaders across Formula 1, SaaS, enterprise technology, and media.
Key Responsibilities
- Race Weekend Engineering Support: Collaborate with our F4 partner team to provide trackside engineering support, including setup optimisation, telemetry analysis, and performance engineering throughout the 2026 season. Contribute to session planning, real‑time decision‑making, and post‑session debriefs, maintaining clear engineering documentation and performance tracking. Deliver detailed technical reports and support continuous performance development across events.
- Driver Development & Simulator Correlation: Lead the relevant areas of FAT Racing’s in‑house simulator programme targeted at preparing the driver to a high level pre‑event. Lead correlation programme between lap‑time simulation tools and on‑track F4 performance.
- Technical Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Analyse telemetry, video, and performance metrics to identify development areas. Develop and implement data analysis tools and processes to improve engineering efficiency and driver performance. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of F4 technical regulations and competitor benchmarks.
- Advanced Technologies Contributions: Support Smedley Group’s Advanced Technologies projects outside race operations. Contribute to simulation, data analysis, and performance engineering work across multiple motorsport disciplines.
- Operational Support: Coordinate with partner teams to ensure seamless technical delivery across race weekends, testing, and simulator activities. Support logistics, equipment management, and resource planning as the programme expands.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications & Experience: Minimum two years’ experience in motorsport, simulation, or high‑performance vehicle dynamics. Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, setup fundamentals, telemetry, and data analysis principles. Experience with data acquisition systems and analysis tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, MoTeC, AiM or similar). Ability to interpret complex technical data and communicate insights clearly to drivers and team members. Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Self‑motivation, professionalism, and alignment with FAT Racing’s mission to broaden access to motorsport based on merit.
Desirable Experience: Experience in Formula 4, Formula 3, or other junior single‑seater categories. Familiarity with driver‑in‑loop simulator environments, including simulator correlation. Experience supporting developing drivers in coaching or educational contexts. Knowledge of British F4 technical regulations and championship operations.
Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
Benefits (available after successful probation): Private medical insurance, Pension scheme with salary sacrifice option, Life assurance (death in service), 33 days holiday including bank holidays, Childcare support via salary sacrifice, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free GP service.
FAT Racing is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We strive to be a team that supports diversity in the workplace and promotes an inclusive culture in which all team members are respected, empowered, and valued.
Performance Engineer in Bicester employer: Smedley Group
Contact Detail:
Smedley Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Engineer in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the motorsport industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or simulations you’ve worked on, make sure to share them during interviews or networking chats. Demonstrating your technical prowess can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to FAT Racing or other teams you’re interested in. Express your passion for performance engineering and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and could lead to a hidden opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in motorsport technology and data analysis. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you’re committed to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Engineer in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Motorsport: When you're writing your application, let your love for motorsport shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the field. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about joining FAT Racing.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Performance Engineer role. Highlight your experience with vehicle dynamics, telemetry, and data analysis tools. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you can contribute to our mission of creating a merit-based pathway in motorsport.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at FAT Racing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smedley Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vehicle dynamics, telemetry, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a fan of motorsport but also have the technical chops to back it up.
✨Show Your Passion for Performance
FAT Racing is all about performance over budget, so be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to performance improvements in past roles. Whether it's through data analysis or driver development, showcasing your passion for high standards will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect questions that put you in real-world racing situations. Think about how you'd handle trackside engineering support or make decisions during a race weekend. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Align with Their Mission
FAT Racing is committed to broadening access to motorsport based on merit. Make sure you understand their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own goals align with theirs. This will demonstrate that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their vision.