Senior Design Engineer - Composites

Williams F1 Group; Grove; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Formula 1 team in the UK is seeking a Senior Design Engineer. This role involves owning complete engineering projects from concept to completion, driving continuous improvement, and mentoring student engineers. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, familiarity with CAD tools, and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure. Join a prestigious team known for their rich heritage in racing and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of engineering design for components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
• Proven technical expertise in leading significant engineering projects.
• Excellent judgement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
• Collaborate closely with multiple engineering disciplines.
• Lead fault investigations and implement timely fixes.

Skills

Engineering design principles

CAD tools (Siemens NX)

Leadership and mentoring

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine engineering

Tools

NX CAD software

Job description

About the Role

As a Senior Design Engineer, you’ll own complete engineering projects - from bold conceptual ideas to detailed design - while supporting R&D and production teams throughout build, test, and fault‑resolution phases. Your work will directly influence the performance, reliability, and success of cutting‑edge automotive systems.

You’ll lead fault investigations, support drawing and assembly checks, and mentor student engineers. Alongside your project responsibilities, you’ll also drive continuous improvement, contributing to smarter, more efficient design practices across the team.

About You

You combine strong technical ability with a proactive attitude and a solid understanding of engineering design principles, detailed drawings, and modern CAD tools (Siemens NX). You take pride in producing precise, high‑quality work. You’re self‑motivated, calm under pressure, and confident taking ownership of key projects from concept to completion.

Clear communication and balanced judgement come naturally to you, and you work well with colleagues across all disciplines. As a senior, you lead by example and contribute to building a positive, high‑performance team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
• Develop lightweight, structurally efficient, cost‑effective solutions with a keen eye for mass, stiffness and performance trade‑offs.
• Produce supporting structural and functional calculations.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, vehicle science, electronics, chassis, stress, transmission, R&D, production and external suppliers.
• Write clear technical procedures and system specifications.
• Lead fault investigations and implement timely, robust fixes.
• Support drawing and assembly checking, and provide Class 5 sign‑off with stress engineering.
• Mentor student placements and help shape the next generation of engineering talent.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working with senior engineers to enhance design efficiency across the team.
• Act as a key point of contact for project allocation, supplier engagement, and user‑acceptance activities.

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines exceptional technical skill with leadership potential, creativity, and collaboration.

You’ll excel in this role if you have:

• Strong understanding of engineering design for components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
• Familiarity with CAD and engineering software used in vehicle design (NX experience a bonus—training available).
• Superb attention to detail and the ability to deliver high‑quality work under pressure.
• A proactive, self‑motivated mindset with the confidence to lead projects independently.
• A positive, open, and team‑focused attitude, able to inspire colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent judgement, integrity and communication skills.
• Strong organisational abilities with a clear sense of prioritisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Proven technical expertise in your specialism, with the ability to lead and own significant engineering projects.

Company Description

For almost 50 years, Williams Racing has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name.

Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long‑term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.

Additional Information

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