At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop next-gen electric karts with hands-on engineering experience.
- Company: Join FAT Karting League, a forward-thinking motorsport organisation revolutionising karting.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, pension scheme, 33 days holiday, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of electric motorsport.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or related engineering field; CAD experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Upper Heyford / Hybrid
Reports to: Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Direct Reports: None
About FAT Karting League (FKL)
FAT Karting League (FKL), part of Smedley Group, is a forward-thinking motorsport organisation transforming the way people experience karting. Our mission is to make high-quality racing accessible, engaging, and performance-driven, while building a community that thrives on innovation, consistency, and growth. We deliver premium, repeatable racing experiences and are rapidly expanding both nationally and internationally. Joining Smedley Group means being part of a team redefining the industry, breaking down barriers, and shaping the future of electric motorsport.
Role Summary
We are looking for a motivated Junior Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation electric karts — from early concept through prototype build and into production readiness. This is a hands-on, fast-paced engineering role where you will work closely with experienced engineers, contribute real design work, and see your components built, tested, and raced. You will gain exposure across mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and structured product development within a growing motorsport organisation. You will collaborate cross-functionally, learn rapidly, and help turn engineering requirements into robust, manufacturable designs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and CAD Delivery
- Create and update 3D CAD parts and assemblies, along with 2D drawings, to company standards.
- Conduct packaging studies, tolerance and clearance checks, and define interfaces across kart sub-systems.
- Produce high-quality engineering outputs including GD&T, technical notes, material and finish specifications, and identification of key characteristics where required.
- Manage structured CAD and drawing revisions within our 3DEXPERIENCE PLM system, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
- Engineering Development and Problem Solving
- Contribute to design iteration based on test results, prototype build feedback, and supplier input.
- Participate in root-cause investigations for issues identified during build, testing, or validation.
- Drive DFM/DFA improvements by reducing part count, simplifying assemblies, and improving serviceability.
- PLM / BOM / Configuration Support
- Create and maintain engineering items within 3DEXPERIENCE / ENOVIA.
- Maintain and update Engineering BOM structures, attributes, and revisions, ensuring alignment with design releases.
- Prepare and support design release packs including 3D models, 2D drawings, BOM updates, and supporting documentation.
Job Requirements
- Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or similar.
- Practical CAD experience (university projects, placement year, internship, or personal engineering projects).
- Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals including materials, manufacturing processes, fasteners, and tolerance principles.
- Comfortable working with structured engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, and change management processes.
- Strong communication skills — able to ask thoughtful questions, take feedback constructively, and clearly document decisions.
Desirable
- Experience using SolidWorks.
- Exposure to PLM systems (3DEXPERIENCE / ENOVIA particularly advantageous).
- Familiarity with automotive-style development practices (e.g. DFMEA exposure).
- Hands-on prototype or workshop experience (vehicle builds, fit checks, test rigs).
- Basic simulation knowledge (FEA fundamentals) or tolerance stack-up exposure.
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
Smedley Group is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining 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 create an inclusive culture where all team members are respected, empowered, and valued.
Junior Design Engineer employer: Smedley-Group
Smedley Group is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding role in the events industry. With a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and enthusiasm, employees enjoy opportunities for personal growth and skill development while working at exciting events across the UK. The company also offers flexible weekend hours, making it an ideal choice for those looking to balance work with other commitments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Design Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Smedley-Group.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Smedley-Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Smedley-Group and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Smedley-Group and the Junior Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smedley-Group
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Smedley-Group.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Smedley-Group.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Smedley-Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
