Lead Engineer – Race Course Technologies

SailGP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global sports organization is seeking a Lead Engineer based in London to oversee engineering operations for Race Course Technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in marine electronics and DC systems, managing set-up and troubleshooting during live events. Responsibilities include leading a technical team, ensuring operational safety, and enhancing technology systems. The position may require global travel and working under pressure to deliver innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in marine electronics and network engineering with field deployment experience.
• Proven ability to manage operations during live events.
• Excellent problem-solving skills particularly under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering operations for Race Course Technologies team.
• Oversee deployment of telemetry systems and chase boat fleet NavCom systems.
• Ensure all technology systems are operational and safe during events.

Skills

Marine electronics

DC electrical systems

Network engineering

Problem-solving

Technical documentation

Tools

NMEA2000 marine electronics

LTE systems

RF communications

Job description

About Us

The Rolex SailGP Championship is the most exciting racing on water, where anything can happen in short, adrenaline-fueled battles between national teams at iconic stadium destinations worldwide. Top athletes fly in identical high-tech F50 catamarans faster than the wind, at speeds in excess of 100km/h (60mph). Founded in 2018, SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, now in its sixth season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organisation with defined values that shape the culture of its team – Deliver Quality and Consistency; Evolve with Focus; Make it Count; Stand Together and Strike a Balance.

Role Summary

The Race Course Technologies (RCT) department delivers the systems that define and control the racecourse, powering SailGP’s precision, broadcast graphics, and global fan experience.

We’re looking for a Lead Engineer who thrives in complex, high-pressure environments and can blend field engineering, systems design, and leadership. You’ll oversee the setup, operation, and continuous improvement of all on-water and on-shore systems that define the SailGP racecourse. From GPS positioning, telemetry networks and race marks to data telemetry and communications systems.

If you can build, fix, lead, and innovate — sometimes all at once — we want you on board.

Key Responsibilities

On tour:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the engineering operations of the Race Course Technologies team on-site and remotely. Be the go-to expert for system setup, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
• System Management: Oversee deployment and maintenance of the full RCT technology stack:
• • Telemetry systems – LTE, 5G and Starlink,
• • Race Mark- Power, Control and Propulsion systems,
• • Chase boat fleet NavCom systems – Chart plotters, sensors, radios, and DC electrical systems.
• Race Management: Equipment deployment, configuration, maintenance and support.
• Operational Delivery: Ensure all race course technology systems are operational, safe, and accurate during training, racing, and testing days.
• Innovation & Improvement: Collaborate with R&D and partner teams to evolve RCT systems, improve reliability, and reduce logistical complexity across the season.
• Documentation & Process: Maintain technical documentation, procedures, and schematics. Contribute to standard operating procedures and technical training for junior engineers.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the LiveLine, Broadcast, Data, and On-Water Operations teams to deliver integrated solutions that perform flawlessly under live racing conditions. This includes supporting Junior RCT engineers with rigging of Riedel equipment on camera boats when appropriate.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all systems across all SailGP owned support-boats on the water comply with SailGP safety and operational standards, including maritime and radio regulations. Maintenance of emergency bilge-pumps, charting systems, AIS system and nav lights.

Between Events:

• System Maintenance & Refurbishment: Oversee post-event servicing, diagnostics, and repairs of all RCT equipment to ensure full readiness for the next event.
• Hardware Modification & Project Preparation: Manage hardware modifications, upgrades, and integration work in preparation for new projects or system enhancements. Coordinate with design and R&D teams to implement changes safely and efficiently.
• Testing & Validation: Conduct controlled testing, calibration, and configuration of RCT systems in workshop or field environments to validate software and hardware performance. This may include sea trials of Race marks.
• R&D Support: Work closely with internal engineering and partner teams to prototype, integrate, and evaluate new technologies or workflows.
• Logistics & Planning: Support container packing, asset tracking, and documentation for global touring. Maintain clear visibility of system status and spares inventory between events.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and refine build, deployment, and troubleshooting processes based on field experience. Champion better engineering standards and smarter solutions.
• F50 Electrical Fit out Support: Support the Electronics department when extra resources are needed to complete electronics works on F50’s in the SGP Technologies facility.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in Marine electronics, DC electrical systems and network engineering with hands‑on experience in field deployments.
• Proven ability to manage technical operations in live event or broadcast environments.
• Experience with DC systems, LTE systems, IP networking, NMEA2000 marine electronics, or RF communications.
• Excellent problem‑solving and diagnostic ability – particularly under time pressure.
• Competence in technical documentation, reading CAD or system schematics, and structured troubleshooting.
• Ability to work autonomously in challenging environments (offshore, in all weather, under tight timelines).
• Comfortable leading small technical teams and coordinating with external partners.
• Maritime qualifications or experience are beneficial but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Calm under pressure and unflappable in live environments.
• Adaptable and solution‑focused – able to adjust plans quickly when conditions or priorities change.
• Hands‑on, curious, and technically fearless – you love solving problems others walk away from.
• Natural leader who builds trust through competence and communication.
• Pragmatic and innovative – can balance short‑term fixes with long‑term system design thinking.
• Willing to travel globally and work irregular hours around event schedules.

Location

London, UK, with regular travel to SailGP events.

SailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.