Principal Design Engineer - Transmission in Wantage

We are currently recruiting a Principal Design Engineer to lead the Transmission team within our Powertrain group. Collaborating with the Head of Powertrain and the PUI team, you will be responsible for managing a subgroup of Designers and Senior Designers within the department, covering a wide variety of assemblies throughout the F1 car. You’ll play a key role in the overall design, development, and performance optimisation of our transmission systems, delivering robust, lightweight, high-performance solutions that operate flawlessly under extreme loads and dynamic conditions. In addition, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day management of a team of multidisciplinary engineers. We are looking for a team leader who can drive technical excellence while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture in the team.

The ideal candidate will be capable of guiding a multidisciplinary group, setting clear priorities, and ensuring alignment across the wider Powertrain, Vehicle Engineering, and relevant Operations departments.

As Principal Design Engineer, you will:

• Be an influential member of the department holding authority for large engineering projects from concept to delivery and tasked with generating the most advanced, performant and reliable designs to agreed timeframes.
• Manage a team of highly talented engineers, supporting their development and growth, while ensuring they meet the team's overall objectives.
• Design and develop components and assemblies within the transmission system, including gears, shafts, casings, bearings, clutches, and hydraulic actuation systems.
• Work with hydraulic specialists on lubrication, cooling, and actuation systems, integrating mechanical and hydraulic functions seamlessly.
• Conduct detailed analysis using simulation, CAD, and data-driven tools to validate concepts and correlate track performance.
• Take governance and validation for all engineering drawings in accordance with defined standards and procedures within the group.
• Liaise with the Program Managers to define deliverables, set workloads and resource requirements to ensure that targets are realistic and achievable.
• Take ownership of technical decision-making if requested for the department when Head of Department is not present.
• Be involved with departmental recruitment, individuals Annual Performance Reviews and Development Plans at the discretion of the Head of Department.
• Conduct design reviews within the team and on a larger scale across Vehicle Design.

Our ideal candidate is someone who has:

• An in-depth understanding of fundamental engineering principles.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification supported by design experience in a top-level motorsport field.
• Experience with simulation and stress calculations would also be advantageous.
• Strong CAD skills, ideally with experience of NX, however training will be provided for conversion from other CAD systems.
• Data analysis experience as it would be beneficial for this role.
• Effective and efficient people management skills along with a strong knowledge of contemporary F1 technology and design.
• An innovative approach to design and strong knowledge of manufacturing techniques is fundamental.
• A creative, proactive approach to problem-solving, along with good attention to detail.
• Confidence, and is well organised with the ability to clearly prioritise tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines, making sound decisions based on good judgement and seeking input as required.
• Ability to integrate and work collaboratively at every level within the organisation.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and trends.

Additional Information: Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.