Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Non F1

Motorsport Network, LLC; Brackley; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous bonus scheme

Private medical cover

Life assurance

25 days holiday

On-site gym

Job summary

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in Brackley seeks Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Non F1 to own end-to-end suspension design from concept to validation for high‑performance motorsport programs. You will mentor a small design team, set design standards, and collaborate across aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, testing and suppliers.

Ideal candidates have Catia V5/3DX and Abaqus experience, strong analytical skills and a track record delivering robust suspensions under tight timelines.

Qualifications

• Mechanical, automotive, or aeronautical engineering degree (2:1 minimum grade) or similar qualification.
• High level motorsport or equivalent engineering background with a track record of delivering complex projects, including test correlation and reliability closure.
• Demonstrable experience in suspension architecture, kinematic and compliance design, system integration, and translation of vehicle performance requirements into robust suspension solutions.
• Proven senior‑level engineering design experience within motorsport or high‑performance automotive applications, with strong understanding of mechanical, structural and composite engineering principles.
• Demonstrable skills in mentoring and leadership of small, focused groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver design projects as directed by the Head of Mechanical and Composite Design.
• Own the suspension design work stream, from target setting, concept architecture and kinematic definition through to detailed design, release, testing and in‑service reliability.
• Lead the design and integration of suspension systems and associated components, ensuring all performance and packaging targets are achieved.
• Work closely with Vehicle Dynamics group to translate performance requirements into robust suspension concepts and deliverables.
• Manage and mentor a small group of designers: plan workload, set priorities and deliverables, run design reviews, coach best practice and uphold drawing and PLM standards.
• Drive consistent, reliable and innovative design output across all assigned projects.
• Generate 3D assemblies and 2D drawings with full GD&T, tolerances and effectivity; manage configuration and change control in PLM.
• Lead and contribute to peer reviews of concepts and detailed design.
• Perform and oversee CAE stress analysis and hand calculations to deliver optimised designs.
• Adhere to strict project timelines and contribute to management of the integrated plan for assigned projects.
• Specify and manage development and validation programmes for suspension systems and safety‑critical structural components.
• Create innovative and efficient design solutions that deliver performance.

Skills

Catia V5/3DX

Catia/Abaqus FEA

Suspension architecture

Kinematic & compliance design

System integration

Mentoring & leadership

Communication

Autonomous / self-motivated

Education

Mechanical, automotive, or aeronautical engineering degree (2:1 minimum) or similar qualification

Tools

CAx/FEA software

Job description

The Role

The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Non F1 will play an important role in Design Group, working across a range of projects, with primary responsibility for the suspension design function. The role encompasses suspension architecture, kinematic and compliance (K&C) development, and detailed engineering activities according to the needs of the design and development programme.

The position may require periods of autonomous work on specific projects or to lead a small group of focused engineers within a particular design function.

Although primarily working on Non-F1 vehicle programmes, there may be the opportunity and requirement to work on other non-F1 projects to fulfil the role within MGP Applied Science.

Overall Purpose

A key role to support and reinforce the design function of the team, and to enable the design group to achieve the primary objectives within the project programme.
Own the end‑to‑end design, validation and delivery of suspension systems and related mechanical assemblies for top‑tier motorsport programmes and selected Applied Science projects. You will lead the design and development of complex, safety and performance critical suspension systems and assemblies from concept through R&D testing to implementation.
Set design standards and mentor a small team of designers while collaborating closely with aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, test & reliability, manufacturing and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver design projects as directed by the Head of Mechanical and Composite Design.
• Own the suspension design work stream, from target setting, concept architecture and kinematic definition through to detailed design, release, testing and in‑service reliability.
• Lead the design and integration of suspension systems and associated components, ensuring all performance and packaging targets are achieved.
• Work closely with Vehicle Dynamics group to translate performance requirements into robust suspension concepts and deliverables.
• Manage and mentor a small group of designers: plan workload, set priorities and deliverables, run design reviews, coach best practice and uphold drawing and PLM standards.
• Drive consistent, reliable and innovative design output across all assigned projects.
• Generate 3D assemblies and 2D drawings with full GD&T, tolerances and effectivity; manage configuration and change control in PLM.
• Lead and contribute to peer reviews of concepts and detailed design.
• Perform and oversee CAE stress analysis and hand calculations to deliver optimised designs.
• Adhere to strict project timelines and contribute to management of the integrated plan for assigned projects.
• Specify and manage development and validation programmes for suspension systems and safety‑critical structural components.
• Create innovative and efficient design solutions that deliver performance.

About You

Candidate Profile

• Mechanical, automotive, or aeronautical engineering degree (2:1 minimum grade) or similar qualification.
• High level motorsport (e.g., F1 or equivalent) or comparable high integrity engineering background, with a proven record of delivering complex engineering projects, including test correlation and reliability closure.
• Demonstrable experience in suspension architecture, kinematic and compliance design, system integration, and the translation of vehicle performance requirements into robust suspension solutions.
• Proven record of senior‑level engineering design within motorsport or high‑performance automotive applications, with strong understanding of mechanical, structural and composite engineering principles.
• Demonstrable skills in mentoring and leadership of small, focused groups.
• Flexible with a proven ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Self‑motivated and able to take initiative.

Technical skills

• Experience of Catia V5/3DX and Catia/Abaqus FEA
• Use of finite element analysis tools (ideally with Catia V5/3DX package) and hand calculation methodologies to produce reliable and optimised designs.
• Proven in‑depth understanding of suspension system design and vehicle mechanical systems, supported by a strong knowledge of engineering first principles and structural load paths.
• High attention to detail; able to work autonomously on focused projects or lead a cross functional team to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communicator who can articulate design intent and trade offs clearly to peers, stakeholders, suppliers and leadership.
• Someone who thrives under pressure, tenacious, curious, and creative.

About Us

At the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, every win starts with the energy to exceed our exceptional standards.

It’s the belief and focus you give that powers our performance.

Whether you’re leading innovation, bringing precision to our manufacturing or supporting trackside operations around the world, every detail matters.

We’re setting new standards in our sport, together. More growth, more pride, more of what makes our team exceptional.

Give all. Gain more.

Benefits

Our riverside campus is powered by 100% renewably sourced energy and features an on‑site gym and exercise studio, subsidised restaurant and on‑site parking with EV chargers available.

We offer a competitive and attractive package of benefits including a generous bonus scheme, private medical cover, life assurance and 25 days holiday. We pride ourselves on our family‑friendly environment and employee well‑being programmes.

Why us

We believe that building a more inclusive and diverse culture helps us go faster and further.
From recruitment and building our future talent pipeline to internal communications and leadership training,we’rebuilding a team where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

Our aim is to attract, develop andretainexceptional people from all backgrounds, creating a workplace where all team members feel respected,supportedand able to fulfil their potential.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are looking for candidates who are passionate about reaching their full potential and are excited about constantly learning and developing.