At a Glance
- Tasks: Calibrate and develop gearbox and clutch control systems for reliable performance.
- Company: Join the legendary Williams F1 Team, a leader in motorsport engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with passionate colleagues and cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project developing a gearbox from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5 years of controls engineering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Company Description
For almost 50 years, Williams 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.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Control Systems Engineer to join our Controls team at Grove, working on the systems that sit behind our gearbox and clutch. Right now, the focus is the dyno: building and developing the control system that lets us recreate what the car sees on track. As the transmission programme moves forward, you’ll grow into owning the gearbox and clutch controls, covering calibration, development, control simulation and the tooling that goes with it. The aim is a gear shift and clutch response that’s reliable every time, in every situation.
You’ll work inside the standard ECU code, tracing through it to find where the gains and the pitfalls are, then tuning calibrations to get the best shift for each scenario. You’ll be part of a small team of around five, working closely with Vehicle Dynamics, Powertrain, Systems Simulation and Electronics. It’s also a rare one. We’re developing our own gearbox from close to the ground up, which very few teams get to do, and the facility is being built with the long term in mind. Opportunities like this don’t come round often.
Key Responsibilities
- Calibrate and develop the gearbox and clutch control system, with a focus on reliable, repeatable gear shifts and clutch response
- Analyse data from dyno and car running to find the root cause of shift performance and reliability issues, then apply what you learn in calibrations and control tuning
- Learn, use and help develop the dyno control system, including integrating our vehicle models so the dyno reflects what happens on track
- Build control simulations and the supporting tooling, mainly in MATLAB, Simulink and Python
- Work within the standard ECU code and toolchain to get the best shift for each situation
- Support troubleshooting on the dyno and the car, diagnosing issues quickly and working with colleagues across the business to fix them
- Document designs, test protocols and results so that everything is accurate and traceable
About You
You’re a controls engineer who writes and understands the code, not someone who just edits other people’s. You know that code controlling physical hardware has to be right first time, and you take a proactive approach to safety-critical work. You pay attention to the detail, learn quickly, and are happy getting stuck into a programme that’s still taking shape.
Degree in electrical, control systems, automotive, mechanical, software or a related engineering discipline
At least 5 years in controls engineering, ideally in motorsport or high-performance automotive (Formula E, WEC and F1 backgrounds are all relevant)
Strong MATLAB and Simulink experience, with confident programming and controls ability of your own
Good understanding of embedded, real-time code that targets an ECU
Able to read and trace through control code and state flows to spot where the advantages and risks sit
Transmission controls experience is strongly preferred, and dyno knowledge is a close second
Nice to have: dSpace or SpeedGoat, Python, the standard ECU toolchain (SECU, Atlas, SystemMonitor) and AVL Puma
Additional Information
Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.
Summary
Type: Full-time
Function: Engineering
Experience level: Associate
Industry: Sports
Control Systems Engineer in London 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 Control Systems Engineer in London
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Control Systems Engineer role you’re after at Williams Racing.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Williams Racing.
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We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Control Systems Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Williams Racing a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Williams Racing specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Williams Racing
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Williams Racing, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Williams Racing want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
