Motorsport Engineer
What is the work like?
As a motorsport engineer, you would design, build and test racing cars and bikes in all racing divisions, including single-seater racing (such as Formula 1) and bike racing (such as MotoGP). Your work would often be at the forefront of engineering technology.
You may work in either design, testing, production or racing. Your duties in the first three areas could include:
- assessing new ideas by looking at performance, strength, costs and safety
- designing prototypes with computer-aided design (CAD) software
- testing components and bodywork to increase a vehicle's performance
- testing working models on the track before vehicles go into full production
- building production models and carrying out quality control checks at every stage
- 'finishing' vehicles with the team's colours and sponsorship logos.
At race meetings, your main tasks would include:
- setting up vehicles to suit track and weather conditions
- monitoring engine speed and other data during races
- fine tuning the vehicle and sending technical instructions to the driver or rider
- carrying out ‘after-tests’ on vehicles at the end of races to look for signs of damage.
After races, you would attend debriefings with the race team to look at what worked well and where to make improvements.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
This is a very competitive career and you would normally need experience in vehicle engineering or a related area, such as component manufacturing, electronic controls or mechanics. This is the case in all racing divisions but especially true if you want to work at the top levels of the sport. You would also need to back up your experience with relevant qualifications.
You can take college or university courses specific to motorsport engineering and design, including foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs and degrees. Other engineering courses like mechanical, automotive, electronic, aerospace and production manufacturing may also be acceptable to employers.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Professional bodies recommend that you take courses that include work placements with manufacturers and suppliers. Schemes like the Formula Student programme, run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and partners, allow college teams to design, build and race vehicles against each other. For details see the Formula Student website.
You may also be able to train as a vehicle technician or design assistant at college, or as an apprentice with a company. With further study, you could eventually qualify as an engineer. For details about technician-level training, see the job profiles for Motor Vehicle Technician and CAD Technician.
See the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) website for detailed information about careers in motorsport engineering. The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has a section for aspiring drivers on its website, with details of different classes, events, driving schools and colleges linked to the sport.
What further training and development can I do?
Once in work, you would receive on-the-job training from your employer. If you have a degree, you could be taken on as a graduate trainee with a vehicle manufacturer, a research and development facility or an automotive design firm.
The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing runs a Graduate Programme for newly-qualified engineers, which allows you to develop the skills and knowledge required for the automotive industry. The Academy also offers professional development courses if you are already working in the sector. Contact the National Skills Academy for details.
If you have an engineering-related degree, you could take a postgraduate course. The MIA website has information on relevant courses, including motorsport engineering, engineering design and aerodynamics.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2RF
Tel: 02476 692600
The Crescent
Birmingham
B37 7YE
Tel: 0121 717 6610
Riverside Park
Colnbrook
SL3 OHG
Tel: 01753 765 000
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £16,000 and £22,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £25,000 and £40,000.
Senior engineers working for a manufacturer’s racing team would normally negotiate a contract with their employer.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As part of a race team, you would work long and irregular hours. You could expect lots of travelling, for example, during a season you would arrive at a circuit three or four days before an event to prepare. You may travel out of season at times to circuit-test cars and bikes.
If you work as a design, test or production engineer, you are more likely to be based at one site, although long hours may still be required.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a strong interest in motor vehicle engineering and design
- excellent problem-solving skills
- a determination to succeed
- excellent technical knowledge
- the ability to analyse and interpret data
- good communication skills
- the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
- the ability to work under pressure to deadlines
- a willingness to keep up to date with new developments
- excellent teamworking skills
- a willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
You can find opportunities with test labs, automotive design firms, motor racing teams, race and rally schools and circuit operators.
You would find the largest concentration of employers in the Midlands and the south-east.
With experience, you could specialise in a particular engineering field, like engine transmission or electronics. You may be able to progress to test or workshop manager, chief engineer, technical coordinator or technical manager.
Engineering skills in the UK motorsport industry are highly valued around the world and you may find opportunities to work overseas in Europe, the Far East and the United States.
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