Junior Simulator Development Engineer

McLaren F1 Team; Woking; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motorsport team near Woking is looking for an individual to play a key role in their Simulator Development Group. You will support the development of simulation models, and implement updates while ensuring the team remains at the forefront of simulation technology. The ideal candidate has a strong academic background in Mechanical or Control Engineering, excellent communication skills, and is proficient in tools such as Matlab and C++. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and generous pension contributions.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Car schemes

Life insurance

Generous pension contributions

Access to gym and restaurant

Qualifications

• Strong academic background, ideally postgraduate in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with self-starting skills.
• Proven capability to manage deadlines across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and correlation of simulation models for the DIL simulator motion system.
• Assist with implementing and testing updates to motion controllers and cueing algorithms.
• Contribute to overall simulator correlation including motion, visuals, and performance.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Control Engineering

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Postgraduate Level in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Matlab

Simulink

C++

NI

Beckhoff TwinCAT

dSpace

Job description

Job description

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. And everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching... And measure your progress in milliseconds... And play your part in racing history... You belong here. High performance starts with you.

Purpose of the Role

Join our Simulator Development Group and play a key role in advancing our Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulators. You’ll contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and major upgrade projects, ensuring we remain at the forefront of simulation technology in motorsport.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the development and correlation of simulation models for the DIL simulator motion system.
• Assist with implementing and testing updates to motion controllers and cueing algorithms.
• Contribute to objective and subjective simulator correlation, including motion, visuals, haptics, audio, driver environment, system performance, and vehicle sub-system models.
• Aid in the development and commissioning of motion system upgrades.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong academic background, ideally postgraduate level or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong self-starting skills.
• Proven capability to manage deadlines across multiple projects and balance workloads effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying technical information clearly and concisely.

Desirable

• Experience developing simulators within Formula 1 or high-level motorsport.
• Technical knowledge of control systems or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink and/or C++.
• Familiarity with real-time hardware interfaces (e.g., NI, Beckhoff TwinCAT, dSpace).
• Broad awareness of simulator and systems developments across industry and academia.
• Industrial or research experience in vehicle dynamics or human factors.
• Understanding of vehicle sub-system correlation (tyres, aero, suspension, power unit).

What McLaren can offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities, including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30-minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.