ENGINEERING - FACTORY -

ENGINEERING - FACTORY

A factory-based motorsport engineer is a professional who works primarily at the team’s headquarters or factory, rather than at the racetrack. These engineers play crucial roles in the research, development, design, and manufacturing aspects of motorsport. Their responsibilities are more focused on the long-term development and improvement of the race cars, as opposed to the immediate, race-weekend adjustments that trackside engineers handle.

WHERE & WHAT TO STUDY

Qualification wise you will need at least a 2:1 or above at degree or masters level in either motorsport, mechanical, electrical or aeronautical engineering. Factory motorsport engineers have specialised knowledge in areas mechanical and electrical design, testing and functional safety. There are additional courses out the that can help you learn these essential skills. We are happy to offer recommendations on where to study but for a full list of colleges and universities offering a motorsport course please refer to the UKAS website.

ONLINE & ALTERNATIVE TRAINING

In addition to the standard University route there are alternative courses out there that do offer an alternative soloution.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

AERODYNAMCIST

Write procedures and wind tunnel test plans.
Create production documentation for test parts and reports to communicate findings.
Analyse aerodynamic modelling (experimental & numerical simulation) results and synthesise alternative designs.
Direct or undertake surface definition and concept scheming.
Direct or undertake model part design.
Participate in wind tunnel testing, coordinating all aspects necessary for a successful test.
Develop aerodynamic analysis tools.
Follow and maintain safety standards in all venues.

SIMULATION ENGINEER

Evaluating car performance using simulation models and real-world data.
Identifying areas for improvement in aerodynamics, suspension, powertrain, and overall vehicle dynamics.
Building and refining simulation models for key vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, tire behaviour, and engine performance.
Running simulations to predict outcomes under different track layouts, weather conditions, and race strategies.
Conducting virtual track tests to reduce reliance on physical testing, saving time and resources.
Using driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulators to gather feedback from drivers and fine-tune setups.
Working with race strategists to model pit stop strategies, tire usage, and fuel consumption.
Simulating various race scenarios to determine optimal approaches.
Incorporating telemetry and historical performance data into simulations to enhance model accuracy.
Ensuring seamless integration of simulation tools with other team workflows.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Process sequencing, documentation, and product traceability methodologies.
Update process documentation and PFMEA’s and Quality Control Plans.
Implement and control Lean Manufacturing strategies, validate load paths, tool access and ergonomics – series models.
Hours per Car generation & reporting.
Ownership and maintenance of the Hours Per Car data for existing models, ensuring plant efficiency & output targets can be achieved.
Working with other operational teams to identify and resolve production bottlenecks.
Utilise analytic problem-solving skills, including knowledge of 8D, Six Sigma, 4M’s, PDCA
Implement and expand concepts such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, etc., to reduce manufacturing cost.
Line balancing and manpower allocation.
Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment.
Provide leadership to cross-functional teams and manufacturing engineers regarding manufacturing process and capability.

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Creative flair in designing components within a very tight packaging environment.
You would be expected to take ownership of a whole system and seeing it through from initial concept, design, test plan creation and system validation.
Excellent knowledge of materials, machining, casting, and additive processes for low volume manufacture.
Excellent CAD skills (Most Employers use Catia, NX or Solidworks)
Ability to carry out FEA and report on the findings.
Excellent knowledge of GD&T, drawing and assembly document creation.
Prompt investigations and resolution of faults, as required.
Experience around designing moving component assemblies.

ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Design of electrical systems both on and off vehicle (harnesses, sensors, control units)
Good understanding of CAN and LIN protocols.
Good understanding of PCB design and construction.
Production drawings of electrical harnesses and components.
Diagnosis of electrical faults using various debugging equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters etc)
Produce documentation (internal and customer facing) to assist with electrical installations and issue debugging.
Releasing of parts and assembly structures onto a BoM.
Liaising with other departments to implement a test plan and assembly sign-off.

TEST ENGINEER

Responsible for the planning, execution, post running analysis, and reporting of test events.
Liaison with Engineering Design, Stress, Aerodynamics, Simulation and Trackside engineers to develop cost effective test capability to meet the team’s needs.
Ensure that departmental test activity documentation for requests, run plans and result conclusions are clear, concise, and detailed, ensuring a right-first-time test, and strong engagement from all stakeholders.
Working closely with design and simulation engineers; develop test sequences, methodologies, and procedures for verification and validation of car concepts.
Develop data analysis techniques and future direction for further development.
Keep up to date with latest advances in technology, seeking out opportunities for application.
Outline test capability requirements for long-term investment with strong justification.
Report and follow up on test reliability and quality issues.
Drive data quality and instrumentation for test development.
Understand test rig control system capabilities, collaborating with suppliers on future developments as well as internal Systems Engineering and Software groups

FUNCTIONAL SAFETY ENGINEER

Experience of working in a formal safety management environment, e.g. ISO 26262.
Experience of hardware and software development for safety related systems.
Experience of systems design for embedded software systems.
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering, SysML/UML.
Strong knowledge of safety and failure analyses methodologies such as FMEA, FTA, DFA, FMEDA etc.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent technical knowledge. Able to quickly build rapport with peers and stakeholders.
Able to tactfully challenge without alienating.
Strong analytical and numerical skills and attention to detail.
Strong understanding of quality management such as standards, regulations and applicable policies and procedures such as information, change and configuration management.