Aerodynamics Project Leader

Williams Racing; Grove; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams Racing is seeking an Aerodynamics Project Leader to steer a team of engineers from concept through track validation, owning aerodynamic development and allocating CFD and wind tunnel resources to deliver performance-driven solutions on the car.

You will lead with evidence-based decisions, collaborate with Design Office, Structures, Composites and Manufacturing, and mentor engineers to foster continuous improvement within FIA regulations and the cost cap.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Formula 1 aerodynamics development and analysis.
• Proven ability to lead projects through the complete aero development lifecycle.
• Strong CFD skills and wind tunnel data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept generation and direct CFD exploration with evidence-based decisions.
• Plan and run wind tunnel tests, analyse results, adjust course based on data.
• Hands-on CAD in developing aerodynamic surfaces when needed.
• Drive projects through release while coordinating with Design Office, Structures, Composites and Manufacturing.
• Support introduction of new parts at track with vehicle performance teams.

Skills

F1 aero development

Project leadership

CFD techniques

Wind tunnel planning

NX CAD

Communication

Tools

NX CAD

Job description

We are looking for a driven Aerodynamics Project Leader to work closely with our Principal Aerodynamicists and take the technical lead of a team of talented engineers. You will own aerodynamic development projects from first concept through to track validation, turning a clear performance objective into a released, manufactured and correlated solution on the car. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will set the direction for your project team, make the calls on where to focus limited CFD and wind tunnel resource, and keep a development programme moving at race-team pace while protecting quality and learning. Just as importantly, you will develop and empower the engineers around you, creating an environment where ideas are challenged openly and the best solution wins. Working within the constraints of the FIA regulations and the cost cap, you will need to be as smart with your resource as you are with your geometry. Every run, every tunnel hour and every release has to count!

• Lead concept generation, challenge assumptions about how the car works, and direct CFD exploration with evidence-based decisions on what to pursue and what to park
• Plan and run test sessions in our onsite wind tunnel, analyse results with rigour, and adjust course when the data tells a different story
• Get hands-on in CAD where needed to develop and refine aerodynamic surfaces
• Drive projects through release, working closely with the Design Office, Structures, Composites and Manufacturing teams to protect aerodynamic intent within weight, stiffness, cost and build constraints
• Support the introduction of new parts at the track alongside Vehicle Performance and trackside engineers

Just as importantly, you will bring the project team with you. You will communicate results and theories clearly in a way that encourages challenge, coach and empower less experienced engineers through delegation and honest feedback, and lead post-project reviews so we learn from what worked and what did not. You will also help shape a culture of continuous improvement in our tools, methods and processes.

You are an experienced F1 aerodynamicist who has taken technical projects the whole way from concept to track. You understand the fundamentals well enough to explain the flow physics behind a result, not just the number, and you are comfortable making and defending a decision when the data is incomplete and the clock is ticking.

You will bring:

• Multiple years' experience in F1 aerodynamic development
• Demonstrable experience leading projects through the full aero development lifecycle, from concept to track
• Familiarity with CFD techniques, including non-standard models
• Experience planning and running wind tunnel programmes, and interpreting CFD, tunnel and track correlation
• A strong working understanding of the ATR and cost cap framework
• Proficiency in CAD for aerodynamic surfaces (preferably NX)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to develop less experienced team members

For almost 50 years, Williams 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.