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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 start-up challenging the traditional racing model.
- Benefits: Unique opportunity to grow in a fast-paced, merit-based environment with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Be part of a revolutionary team that prioritises talent over budget in motorsport.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years in motorsport or vehicle dynamics; strong data analysis skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to empowering all team members.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Upper Heyford
About FAT Racing
FAT Racing is a high-performance motorsport start-up 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 Freelance 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 assist 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 set-up 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: We’re seeking an engineer with strong technical foundations, a passion for motorsport and driver development, and the ability to operate both independently and collaboratively within a high-performance environment. Minimum two years’ experience in motorsport, simulation, or high-performance vehicle dynamics. Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, set-up 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.
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 - Freelance in Bicester employer: Smedley Group
Contact Detail:
Smedley Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Engineer - Freelance 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 to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at FAT Racing or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for performance engineering! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about vehicle dynamics and telemetry. Let them see your enthusiasm for motorsport and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge and current trends in motorsport. Be ready to discuss how you can apply your skills in a high-pressure environment like FAT Racing. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the FAT Racing team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Engineer - Freelance in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Motorsport: When 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 being part of FAT Racing.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Performance Engineer role. Highlight your experience with vehicle dynamics, telemetry, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you can contribute to our mission of merit-based racing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and remember, we appreciate clarity over complexity!
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 keen on joining our team right from the start!
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
FAT Racing is all about merit and ambition, so let your enthusiasm for motorsport shine through. Share your experiences, whether it's working with drivers or your own racing adventures. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you align with their mission.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face during race weekends or while working with the simulator. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach set-up optimisation or performance analysis. This practical insight will impress the interviewers and show you're ready for the fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about FAT Racing's plans for the future, especially regarding their expansion into Formula 3 and Formula 2. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the company's growth and direction.