ENGINEERING
Motorsport Engineers are responsible for optimising the design, performance reliability and safety of a racing car. Trackside they work closely with drivers and mechanics to ensure the car’s setup meets the specific demands of the track, weather conditions, and competition strategy. To become a motorsport engineer the individual must have a good mixture of soft skills and hard skills to cope with the pressures of the role and to work efficiently as part of a team.
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. Trackside motorsport engineers have specialised knowledge in areas such as aerodynamics, engine performance, vehicle dynamics or control systems and there are additional courses out the that can help you learn these essential skills.
TRACKSIDE ENGINEERING ROLES
- All programming of ECU / data logger including data download.
- Responsibility for the calibration of all car electronics equipment sensors.
- Car health monitoring and fault diagnosis during running.
- Post running inspection of all sensor data, reporting of condition and damage to the Race Engineer.
- Working with the Engineering Team to continually improve the data analysis system and tools.
- Development of systems engineering tools and hardware to improve performance, automation and reliability.
- Maintenance, management and planning of the car electronics hardware and sensors and spares
Prepare and test spares stock of electrical hardware and consumables. - Assist in the set up and operation of the garage and its infrastructure.
- Maintenance of pitwall / garage data systems.
- Setup and maintenance of team / car radio and intercom systems.
- Planning the efficient use of the teams IT / systems equipment at future events and quickly identifying problems or shortfalls.
- Engage with customers via phone, email, and in-person to provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and offer solutions.
- Develop a deep understanding of our motorsport products, including performance components, telemetry systems, and software solutions.
- Diagnose and resolve technical issues promptly, ensuring minimal downtime for customers during critical race events.
- Create user guides, technical documentation, and training materials to educate customers on product usage and best practices.
- Gather customer feedback and insights to drive product improvements and enhancements.
- Work closely with our engineering and sales teams to relay customer feedback, escalate issues, and contribute to product development initiatives.
- Provide on-site support at race events, assisting teams with setup, troubleshooting, and optimising performance.
- Designing and integrating electrical and electronic systems such as ECUs, data loggers, sensors, and communication networks.
- Ensuring compatibility and reliability of these systems within the car’s overall architecture.
- Setting up and managing telemetry systems to collect real-time performance data.
- Analysing data to identify performance trends, diagnose issues, and suggest improvements.
- Developing, testing, and calibrating software for control systems (e.g., traction control, braking, and hybrid power systems).
- Programming parameters to optimise performance under varying track and weather conditions.
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues in the vehicle’s electronic systems during testing, qualifying, and races.
- Conducting pre-event checks and post-event reviews of all electronic systems
- Ensuring that all systems comply with motorsport regulations and safety standards.
- Implementing fail-safes and redundancies to mitigate risks of system failures during races
- Develop and implement control algorithms for key vehicle systems (e.g., powertrain, braking, traction & suspension).
- Write, test, and debug embedded software for Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
- Ensure seamless integration of software with hardware components, including sensors, actuators, and ECUs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, and aerodynamics) to align software performance with overall vehicle objectives.
- Use simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) to model and validate control strategies before on-track deployment.
- Conduct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing to verify software performance under realistic scenarios.
- Work with telemetry and data logging systems to collect and analyse real-time performance data from vehicles during testing and races.
- Use data insights to identify performance improvements and refine control strategies.
- Investigate and resolve software-related issues, including those encountered during development, testing, and racing.
- 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.
- Collaborating with engineers and mechanics to determine the optimal car setup for each track, including suspension, aerodynamics, tire pressures, and drivetrain configurations.
- Adjusting the car’s setup based on driver feedback, telemetry data, and track conditions.
- Acting as the primary technical liaison for the driver during practice, qualifying, and races.
- Providing clear and concise guidance to the driver about car behaviour, race strategy, and adjustments during the event.
- Analysing real-time telemetry data to monitor car performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Making informed, immediate decisions to resolve issues and optimize car performance during the race.
- Working with race strategists to plan pit stops, tire choices, and fuel strategies.
- Adapting strategies dynamically based on unfolding race conditions, such as weather changes or competitor performance.
- Conducting detailed debriefings with the driver and team to review performance and gather insights for improvement.
- Analysing historical performance data, track characteristics, tire wear, fuel consumption, and weather forecasts to create a race plan.
- Determining the optimal number and timing of pit stops, including tire choices and refuelling (if applicable).
- Continuously tracking race developments using telemetry, timing data, and competitor information.
- Providing timely, concise instructions to the driver to execute strategy changes.
- Working closely with race engineers, performance engineers, and team management to align on strategic decisions.
- Identifying lessons learned to refine future strategies and improve decision-making processes.
WHAT TOOLS ARE USED?
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ROLES
- Develop and optimize aerodynamic surfaces including front wings, rear wings, diffusers, floor, and bodywork.
- Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate performance.
- Analyze wind tunnel data and correlate with CFD and track data.
- Support trackside aerodynamic testing and validation programs.
- Work closely with Mechanical and Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure integrated performance.
- Contribute to aerodynamic development roadmap and performance targets.
- Manage aerodynamic model updates and configuration control.
- Investigate performance anomalies and propose design solutions.
- Ensure compliance with championship technical regulations.
- Document development results and present findings to senior technical leadership.
- Develop and run CFD simulations to evaluate fluid flow and thermal behavior.
- Create high-quality meshes and optimize solver settings.
- Analyze simulation results and generate technical reports.
- Validate CFD models against experimental or test data.
- Work closely with design and engineering teams to improve product performance.
- Perform parametric studies and optimization analyses.
- Troubleshoot convergence and numerical issues.
- Maintain documentation and simulation best practices.
- Contribute to process automation and workflow improvements.
- Ensure projects are delivered within timelines and technical standards.
- Design mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software.
- Develop 3D models, technical drawings, and BOMs (Bill of Materials).
- Perform tolerance analysis and ensure manufacturability.
- Conduct design calculations and engineering analysis.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams.
- Support prototype development and product testing.
- Identify and resolve design issues during production.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and industry standards.
- Participate in design reviews and technical documentation.
- Continuously improve product performance and cost efficiency.
- Develop and run finite element models for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.
- Perform linear and non-linear static analysis.
- Conduct fatigue, modal, buckling, and impact simulations.
- Create high-quality meshes and optimize model convergence.
- Interpret simulation results and provide design improvement recommendations.
- Correlate FEA results with physical test data.
- Work closely with design and manufacturing teams.
- Document analysis procedures and prepare technical reports.
- Support product validation and certification processes.
- Contribute to simulation process improvement and automation.
- Develop and implement efficient manufacturing processes and workflows.
- Design and improve production layouts, tooling, and fixtures.
- Analyze production performance and recommend process improvements.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) into manufacturing.
- Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
- Optimize cycle time, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Develop and maintain work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
- Conduct research to develop new products, systems, or technologies.
- Design and develop prototypes for testing and validation.
- Perform engineering analysis (FEA, CFD, thermal, structural, etc.) as required.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, manufacturing, quality).
- Evaluate materials, processes, and technologies for innovation opportunities.
- Conduct product testing and analyse performance data.
- Document research findings and prepare technical reports.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support patent applications and intellectual property documentation (if applicable).
- Drive continuous improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Conduct reliability analysis including FMEA, FTA, and root cause analysis (RCA).
- Analyse field failure data and identify improvement opportunities.
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance and reliability programs.
- Collaborate with design teams to improve product durability.
- Perform life cycle testing and accelerated life testing (ALT).
- Monitor reliability metrics such as MTBF, MTTR, and failure rates.
- Support warranty analysis and corrective action plans.
- Develop reliability growth models and risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Prepare reliability reports and present findings to stakeholders.
- Design and develop internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, or electric powertrain systems.
- Optimize engine performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, and durability.
- Conduct simulation and analysis (thermal, structural, vibration, CFD as applicable).
- Develop and validate drivetrain components (gearbox, differential, transmission).
- Support engine dyno testing and performance validation.
- Collaborate with vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and manufacturing teams.
- Conduct root cause analysis for powertrain-related issues.
- Ensure compliance with emissions, safety, and championship regulations.
- Prepare technical documentation and reports.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and innovation projects.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
WHAT TOOLS ARE USED?
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ROLES
- Design analog and digital electronic circuits.
- Develop schematics and oversee PCB layout.
- Select appropriate components and perform circuit simulations.
- Conduct hardware testing, debugging, and validation.
- Ensure compliance with EMI/EMC and safety standards.
- Collaborate with firmware and software teams for system integration.
- Support prototype development and product testing.
- Perform root cause analysis of hardware failures.
- Prepare technical documentation and design reports.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Define system architecture and technical requirements.
- Develop system specifications and interface control documents (ICDs).
- Coordinate integration of mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.
- Perform system-level analysis, risk assessment, and validation testing.
- Manage requirements traceability and verification processes.
- Conduct failure analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Support product lifecycle management from concept to deployment.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Prepare technical documentation and system performance reports.
- Design vehicle wiring harness architecture and electrical distribution layouts.
- Develop 2D and 3D harness drawings and schematics.
- Select connectors, terminals, fuses, relays, and protective components.
- Ensure proper routing considering packaging, thermal, vibration, and EMI constraints.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and systems teams for integration.
- Conduct electrical load analysis and voltage drop calculations.
- Support prototype builds and vehicle validation testing.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues during testing and production.
- Ensure compliance with safety and automotive standards (ISO, SAE, etc.).
- Maintain BOMs and technical documentation.
- Design and develop control algorithms for dynamic systems.
- Model systems and simulate control behaviour using MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools.
- Implement control logic on ECUs, PLCs, or embedded controllers.
- Tune control parameters to achieve performance and stability targets.
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and controllers.
- Support system testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
- Analyse system performance data and optimize control strategies.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams.
- Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Prepare technical documentation and reports.
- Develop and optimise energy recovery and deployment strategies.
- Manage hybrid systems including MGU (Motor Generator Units), battery systems, and power electronics.
- Analyze telemetry and performance data to improve energy efficiency.
- Support dyno testing and trackside validation.
- Collaborate with Powertrain, Controls, and Systems Engineers.
- Ensure compliance with championship or regulatory hybrid system rules.
- Conduct failure analysis and improve system reliability.
- Optimize energy deployment for performance and efficiency targets.
- Manage calibration and control strategies for hybrid systems.
- Prepare technical reports and performance documentation.
- Develop and maintain HIL test benches for ECU and control system validation.
- Create and execute automated test scripts and validation plans.
- Integrate simulation models with real hardware components.
- Perform system-level verification and regression testing.
- Analyze test results and identify software or hardware defects.
- Support debugging of control algorithms and embedded systems.
- Collaborate with controls, software, and systems engineering teams.
- Ensure compliance with functional safety standards (ISO 26262, etc.).
- Maintain documentation for test cases, validation reports, and traceability.
- Improve automation and testing efficiency processes.
WHAT TOOLS ARE USED?
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