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Principal Design Engineer - Powertrain and Hydraulic Systems

Williams Grand Prix Technologies
Grove
5 months ago
Applications closed

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About the Company

Williams Grand Prix Technologies, established in 2024, is an AI-focused engineering and technology services company, deeply rooted in the high-performance world of Formula 1. We bring decades of unparalleled engineering expertise to deliver top-tier solutions across various sectors, including motorsports, automotive, defence and aerospace. We combine 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 skilledPrincipal Design Engineerspecialising in powertrain, transmission and hydraulic systems with a deep understanding of motorsports powertrain components and systems design and development. In this role, you will set the technical direction and lead the design 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 strong motorsports experience and be proficient in using design and simulation tools 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.
  • Deliver 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.
  • Development of detailed CAD models, ensuring manufacturability and compliance with functional requirements and motorsport standard practices.
  • Selection of materials, material finishing and heat treatment specification for given applications.
  • Lead 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.
  • Report regularly to senior management on the progress of design and development projects and ensure alignment with broader business objectives.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical support to the team.


Preferred Candidate Profile:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Powertrain Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in motorsports powertrain/transmission system 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 and cooling systems.
  • Set the technical direction for projects and ensure alignment with company’s objectives.
  • Solid understanding in modelling and simulation tools such as FEA 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.
  • Help to set the technical direction for projects and ensure alignment to customer requirements
  • 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 management skills, with the ability to deliver complex projects on time and within scope.
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers at all levels
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are achieved.
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and best practices


Desirable Knowledge & Experience:

  • Formula 1 or high-performance motorsports design experience.
  • Outstanding skills in CAD tools and simulation tools.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience with automated verification and validation tools to streamline testing and validation processes.
  • Experience of working 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 Technologiesis based at the Williams Racing Campus in a multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. Williams offer a competitive holiday package, staff events/open days, a subsidised restaurant on site and various car schemes. We have access to 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.


AtWilliams 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 Grand Prix Technologiesis an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.


Closing date: 31st December 2024. Please note, this role may close earlier if we receive a strong selection of suitable candidates. Also, due to the high volume of applications received, we regret we are unable to respond to each application individually.


Strictly No Agencies.

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