At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative composite components for high-performance racing vehicles.
- Company: Join the legendary Williams Racing team, a leader in Formula 1 history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience with composite materials and CAD tools.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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 As a Design Engineer in our Suspension, Steering & Brakes (SSB) team, you'll work on engineering projects across the full lifecycle - from concept through to detailed design - supporting R&D and production teams through build, test, and fault-resolution phases.
Your work will directly contribute to the performance, reliability, and success of cutting-edge automotive systems.
You'll support fault investigations, help with drawing and assembly checks, and work closely with senior engineers to develop your skills.
Alongside your project work, you'll contribute ideas to continuous improvement, helping build smarter, more efficient design practices across the team.
About You You have a solid grounding in composite materials design and manufacture, and you're keen to build on it.
You combine good technical ability with a proactive attitude and a growing understanding of engineering design principles, detailed drawings, and modern CAD tools (Siemens NX preferred).
You take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work, stay calm under pressure, and are comfortable taking ownership of your own tasks within a wider project.
Clear communication and good judgement come naturally to you, and you work well with colleagues across all disciplines.
You're a team player who's keen to learn and grow within a high-performance team culture.
Key Responsibilities Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
Develop lightweight, structurally efficient, cost-effective solutions with a good eye for mass, stiffness and performance trade-offs.
Produce supporting structural and functional calculations.
Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, vehicle science, electronics, chassis, stress, transmission, R&D, production and external suppliers.
Support the writing of clear technical procedures and system specifications.
Support fault investigations and help implement timely, robust fixes.
Assist with drawing and assembly checking.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working with senior engineers to enhance design efficiency across the team.
Support project allocation, supplier engagement, and user-acceptance activities as directed.
What You Bring We're looking for someone who combines solid technical skill with enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration.
You'll excel in this role if you have: Good understanding of engineering design for composite components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
Good CAD skills and experience using engineering software for vehicle design (Siemens NX experience is a bonus although training is available).
An interest in developing project delivery experience.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.
A proactive, self-motivated mindset with a willingness to take ownership of your own workload.
A positive, open, and team-focused attitude.
Good judgement, integrity and communication skills.
Good organisational abilities with a clear sense of prioritisation.
Qualifications & Experience Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine or a closely related engineering discipline.
Some technical experience in your specialism, with an eagerness to develop and grow within a fast-paced engineering environment.
Qualifications#LI-JB1Additional 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
Design Engineer - Composites in Retford employer: Williams Racing
At Williams Racing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for strategic influence within the organisation, all set against the thrilling backdrop of motorsport. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer - Composites in Retford
✨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 Design Engineer - Composites. 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 Design Engineer - Composites in Retford
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.
