At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse trackside aerodynamic performance and provide insights to improve race car setup.
- Company: Join Williams Racing, a legendary team in Formula 1 with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work in elite motorsport.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on race performance while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in aerodynamics or engineering, plus experience in race car aerodynamics.
Company Description
For almost 50 years, Williams Racing 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 and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, 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.
Job Description
About the Role
The wind tunnel and CFD tell us what the car should do. The track tells us what it actually does. As our Senior Trackside Aerodynamicist, you are the person who works out the difference. You will be responsible for the aerodynamic performance of the car at the circuit, turning track data into clear aerodynamic understanding and getting it to race engineering fast enough to shape setup decisions while the session is still running.
You will be part of the trackside engineering team and act as the principal link between the Aero Development Race teams. That means owning the quality and interpretation of trackside aero analysis, checking that surfaces, fit, sealing and configuration match specification, and working with the build team to resolve anything that does not. It also means making sure that what we learn at the track goes back into the development programme, so every race weekend makes the next car better. Expect to explain complex aero to engineers and drivers in plain language, often against a ticking clock. As part of this role, regular travel and race attendance is required.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Owning trackside aerodynamic analysis across all race and test sessions, delivering conclusions within the running schedule
- Interpreting and presenting aero data to engineers and drivers to inform setup decisions and development direction
- Identifying aerodynamic limitations and quantify the lap time cost of each
- Briefing the race team on development items ahead of each event, including the expected gain and how it will be measured
- Improving track-to-tunnel and track-to-CFD correlation, and specify the instrumentation and on-track experiments needed to validate development items
- Developing trackside analysis tools and methodology, and define best practice for the group
- Acting as the point of reference for trackside aerodynamics, working with development aerodynamics, vehicle performance and race engineering to reach agreed conclusions
About You
You are someone who can take a large, noisy dataset and pull out a clear conclusion, then present it clearly and with the right level of confidence. You understand the trade-offs between aerodynamic, mechanical and tyre optima, and you know when a compromise on aero is the right call. You stay calm when the clock is running, and you can make a defensible decision and be honest about the residual risk. You build good relationships easily, whether you are talking to a driver, a race engineer or a designer back at the factory.
What we are looking for:
- A degree in aerodynamics, aeronautical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline (equivalent demonstrable experience is welcome)
- Demonstrable experience in a race car aerodynamics or performance engineering role
- Previous experience in Formula 1 or another elite motorsport category
- Strong working knowledge of full-scale race car data acquisition hardware and software, and their limitations
- Proven data analysis capability in MATLAB, Python or similar, including building and maintaining your own analysis tools
- willingness and ability to travel internationally throughout the race and test calendar
Additional Information
Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments. Compensation: up to GBP 0 - yearly
Senior Trackside Aerodynamicist in Abingdon employer: Williams Racing
At Williams F1 Racing Team, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the high-octane world of motorsport, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Grove-based factory is not just a workplace; it's a hub for passionate individuals who thrive on pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence. With a commitment to employee growth and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we provide our team members with unique opportunities to develop their skills while contributing to our mission of returning to the front of the grid.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Trackside Aerodynamicist in Abingdon
✨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 Williams Racing for a Senior Trackside Aerodynamicist. 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 Trackside Aerodynamicist in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Williams Racing, 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 Williams Racing, 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 Williams Racing
✨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 Williams Racing.
✨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 Williams Racing. 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 Williams Racing love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
