Design Engineer

About the Company

Williams Grand Prix Technologies help solve our customers’ engineering challenges using world-leading capabilities in the areas of platform dynamics, advanced materials, simulation, testing, high performance computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Operating across a wide spectrum of sectors, from aerospace and premium automotive to sport and lifestyle, we deliver a unique and world-class offering that draws on an unrivalled and trusted pedigree, earned at the forefront of motorsport engineering and diversified advanced engineering excellence.

Our team operates from our headquarters in Grove, UK. By combining exceptional talent with unique engineering assets, we tackle our clients’ most complex challenges with the agility and precision that our motorsport heritage demands.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Engineer specialising in powertrain and hydraulic systems with a deep understanding of motorsports powertrain components and systems design and development. In this role, you will drive both design and simulation activities across these critical areas, ensuring high-performance, reliability, and efficiency in motorsport applications. You will work closely with data analytics, modelling and simulation, and machine learning engineers to accelerate the design-to-testing-to-delivery pipeline, while ensuring seamless system integration and optimisation.

The ideal candidate will have substantial motorsports experience and be proficient in using design and simulation tools, such as structural analysis to develop advanced powertrain and hydraulic systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of motorsports powertrain and hydraulic systems, from conceptualisation through to detailed design, ensuring optimal performance in high-stakes motorsport environments.
• Drive the integration of motorsports-specific powertrain components, including transmission systems, motors, pumps, piping selection and routing, and cooling systems, into vehicle platforms.
• Utilise advanced modelling and simulation tools, such as structural analysis, to evaluate and optimise the performance, reliability, and efficiency of powertrain and hydraulic systems.
• Collaborate closely with data analytics, modelling and simulation, and machine learning engineers to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into the design process, enhancing system performance.
• Oversee the development of detailed CAD models, ensuring manufacturability and compliance with functional requirements and motorsport standard practices.
• Lead the selection of materials, material finishing and heat treatment specification for given applications.
• Manage the design validation and testing processes, working with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration and testing under real-world conditions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including engineering specifications, design standards, and operating procedures for powertrain and hydraulic systems.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to manage production, system integration, and testing phases, ensuring all systems are delivered on time and to specification.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on best practices for design and simulation.
• Report regularly to senior management on the progress of design and development projects and ensure alignment with broader business objectives.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Powertrain Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in motorsports powertrain systems design and hydraulic systems development, with a proven track record in high-performance automotive or motorsports environments.
• Deep understanding of motorsports powertrain components such as engines, transmissions, differentials, and electric powertrains, as well as hydraulic systems.
• Strong proficiency in design tools such as NX or equivalent CAD systems.
• Expertise in modelling and simulation tools such as for structural analysis to optimise system performance. Ideally Sim centre, Abacus or Hyperworks
• Have outstanding knowledge of geometric tolerancing and how to apply it to complex assemblies of mating parts.
• Have outstanding knowledge of materials and be confident in their selection for given applications.
• Have outstanding knowledge of material surface finishing and be confident in their selection for a given application.
• Experience working in high-performance motorsport environments, with knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to deliver complex projects on time and within scope.

Desirable Knowledge & Experience:

• Formula 1 or high-performance motorsports design experience.
• Experience with automated verification and validation tools to streamline testing and validation processes.
• Hands-on experience with digital twin technologies for real-time system monitoring and optimisation.
• Knowledge of machine learning applications for design optimisation and predictive maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work with data analytics and machine learning engineers to incorporate advanced technologies into the design and testing process.

Why Join Us?

Williams Grand Prix Technologies is based at the Williams Racing Campus in a multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The Williams Group offer a competitive holiday package, staff events/open days, a subsidised restaurant on site and various car schemes. We have an on-site gym (open 24 hours a day) as well as various fitness classes including outdoors bootcamps, pilates and yoga free for all staff and contractors to use. Aside from these benefits we can offer free onsite parking and large open green spaces to unwind during breaks. We are a based just 30 mins from Oxford City Centre by bus.

At Williams Grand Prix Technologies, you will be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of engineering innovation. You'll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across various industries, making a global impact. We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment where your skills and creativity will be valued and encouraged.

Williams is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.