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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and mentor a talented engineering team in motorsport.
- Company: Join the iconic Williams F1 team, a leader in Formula 1 racing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of F1 car design while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expertise in CAD and a passion for high-performance engineering.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Williams F1 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Composite Design Engineer to join our Chassis, Bodywork and Wings (CBW) group. As a Principal Engineer, you'll split your responsibilities between technical delivery and people/project leadership, making it the ideal opportunity for an engineer who leads from the front and remains hands-on with design work.
You will act as the technical authority for a complete car area or system, owning projects from a blank CAD canvas through concept, detailed design, to delivery. Working closely with teams across the Vehicle Engineering team, the Head of CBW, and Chief Engineers, you will define technical direction, ensure performance targets are met, and uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability.
You'll also manage a team of engineers, varying in experience and skills. We're looking for you to instil a culture of high performance, ambition, innovation, and trust. Your role as their team leader is to ensure your team is set up for success to deliver technically, while also continuously developing, learning, and becoming principles-led engineers.
Key Responsibilities- Technical ownership of major car systems from concept to track
- Hands-on CAD design, producing layouts, detailed parts, drawings and laminates
- Lead and govern large engineering projects, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring and coaching to engineers within the group
- Act as a key interface with Manufacturing, Quality, Prototype, Test and Trackside teams
- Support resource planning, recruitment and performance development within the department
- Deputise for the Head of Department when required
- Proven track record of delivering high-performance motorsport designs
- Expert-level CAD capability (Siemens NX preferred) and strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes
- Able to balance strategic oversight with detailed, hands-on engineering
- Well organised, resilient, and effective in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
- Collaborative, influential and aligned with the wider vehicle engineering vision
This role offers the opportunity to shape both the technical direction of the car and the development of the design team, within one of Formula 1’s most iconic organisations.
For almost 50 years, Williams F1 has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name.
Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.
Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.
Principal Design Engineer - Composites in Grove employer: the Williams Group
Contact Detail:
the Williams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer - Composites in Grove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the motorsport industry, especially those who might know someone at Williams F1. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your CAD designs or projects, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of composites and manufacturing processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're the right fit for the Principal Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Williams F1 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer - Composites in Grove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in motorsport design and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in high-pressure environments.
Be Hands-On: Since this role involves a lot of hands-on CAD design, don’t forget to mention your CAD skills, especially if you’re familiar with Siemens NX. We love seeing candidates who can balance technical expertise with practical application.
Leadership Matters: As a Principal Engineer, you'll be leading a team, so share examples of how you've mentored or coached others. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a culture of high performance and innovation within their team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Williams F1!
How to prepare for a job interview at the Williams Group
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expert-level CAD skills, especially in Siemens NX. Brush up on your design projects and be ready to discuss specific examples where your CAD expertise made a difference in the outcome.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you mentored engineers or led projects, highlighting how you instilled a culture of high performance and innovation within your team.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
While technical skills are crucial, understanding the strategic direction of the vehicle engineering team is equally important. Familiarise yourself with Williams F1's vision and be ready to discuss how your role can align with and contribute to that vision.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Given the fast-paced environment of F1, think of examples from your past where you thrived under pressure. Be ready to explain how you managed tight deadlines while ensuring quality and reliability in your designs.
