At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of hydraulic and pneumatic systems for F1 cars, from concept to race deployment.
- Company: Join Williams Racing, a legendary team with 16 F1 World Championship titles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic team and drive innovation in high-performance engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering with hands-on design experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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. The British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name and has a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Transmission group, contributing to a wide range of assemblies throughout the F1 car with a particular focus on hydraulic, pneumatic, and gearbox systems. Collaborating with the Group Principal and Head of Powertrain, you will be responsible for the design and integration of hydraulic and pneumatic components that interface with the power unit and transmission systems. You will take ownership of projects from concept through to prototype, testing, and race deployment, working closely with other engineering departments to ensure world-class performance and reliability.
About You
With a deep understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic system design, you bring hands-on expertise in gearbox or powertrain hydraulic systems, confidently selecting pumps, valves, actuators, accumulators, and other critical components, and packaging them efficiently within tight spatial constraints. Your strong grasp of engineering fundamentals - materials, stress, and fluid mechanics - underpins every decision you make, and your background includes a relevant engineering degree (Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace), supported by practical design experience in motorsport, aerospace, or precision engineering. You’re fluent in CAD and ideally familiar with Siemens NX, but you’re just as capable of adapting quickly if your experience lies with other platforms. Above all, you’re a clear communicator and a collaborative teammate, confident working across disciplines and influencing others to drive the best possible outcomes.
Main responsibilities:
- Leading the concept, design, and detailing of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components and assemblies across the powertrain and chassis.
- Designing and integrating gearbox hydraulic systems, including actuation, lubrication, and control circuits.
- Performing stress, flow, and sizing calculations to support component and system design decisions, with clear supporting documentation.
- Conducting design reviews independently or alongside the Principal Engineer and Head of Department.
- Deputising for the Principal Engineer and Head of Department when required.
- Taking end-to-end ownership of projects - from design through manufacture, assembly, testing, and on-car validation - including fault analysis and root cause resolution.
- Supporting design checking and peer reviews, ensuring compliance with performance specifications and continuous benchmarking against competitors.
- Driving innovation and continuous improvement in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Mentoring junior engineers, sharing expertise in fluid system design and integration best practices.
Williams Racing is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.
Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulics 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 Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the motorsport industry, especially those connected to Williams Racing. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your design projects, especially those related to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Use visuals and clear explanations to demonstrate your expertise. This will make you stand out when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your engineering fundamentals. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with gearbox systems and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects. Confidence is key, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from the conversation to remind them of your fit for the Senior Design Engineer position. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your engineering expertise!
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Design Engineer position. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Williams Racing. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Williams Racing
✨Know Your Hydraulics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Be ready to discuss specific components like pumps, valves, and actuators, and how they fit into the overall design. Showing that you can talk in-depth about these systems will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your CAD Skills
If you're familiar with Siemens NX or any other CAD software, be prepared to share examples of your work. Bring along a portfolio or screenshots of designs you've created. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to adapt to different platforms.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of engineering fundamentals like materials, stress, and fluid mechanics. Brush up on relevant calculations and be ready to explain your thought process behind design decisions. This is your chance to showcase your technical expertise!
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various engineering departments, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of past projects where you collaborated effectively with others, and how you influenced outcomes. This will show that you’re not just a great engineer, but also a fantastic team player.
