Python Software Engineer - 12 Month FTC

Arrow McLaren IndyCar; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Racing is seeking a Python Software Engineer to design, build and support software underpinning our Factory Flow transformation. You’ll develop Python services and data pipelines within a fast-paced Formula 1 environment at the McLaren Technology Centre.

You’ll work with engineers, product teams and stakeholders to deliver scalable software across design, manufacturing, and race operations, with opportunities for technical leadership and modernising legacy systems.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience developing software using Python.
• Experience building Python back-end services, APIs, and/or data pipelines.
• Experience delivering software solutions using agile methodologies and software engineering best practices.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design, software architecture, and engineering principles, including SOLID.
• Proven ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and driving delivery with minimal supervision.
• Experience with Git-based workflows, Azure DevOps (or similar), and SQL or document databases.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of Factory Flow across the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and support.
• Design and build maintainable, scalable Python services, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Capture business requirements and translate them into robust software solutions and architectures.
• Take ownership of technical work, delivering high-quality solutions on time and to budget.
• Collaborate with engineers, product stakeholders, and business users across McLaren Racing.
• Produce reliable effort estimates and communicate progress clearly to stakeholders.
• Contribute to engineering best practices, standards, and development methodologies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and share knowledge across the wider team.
• Provide technical leadership across projects and larger workstreams.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and longer-term planning activities.
• Mentor and support other engineers.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks while driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Python development

Backend APIs

Data pipelines

Agile practices

SOLID design

Problem solving

Ownership

Git/Azure DevOps

SQL/NoSQL

Communication

Tools

Git workflows

Azure DevOps

Job description

As a Python Software Engineer, you'll help design, build and support the next generation of software products that underpin our engineering and manufacturing operations.

Working as part of the Factory Flow team, you'll contribute to a major programme focused on modernising how parts move through the organisation, from design and engineering release through to manufacturing, supply chain, inventory management and race operations.

You'll work closely with engineers, product teams and business stakeholders to develop scalable Python services, APIs and data solutions that replace legacy systems and improve the flow of information across the business.

This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a high-profile transformation programme while working in a fast-paced and collaborative Formula 1 environment.

The role is primarily based at the McLaren Technology Centre.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the delivery of Factory Flow across the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and support.
• Design and build maintainable, scalable Python services, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Capture business requirements and translate them into robust software solutions and architectures.
• Take ownership of technical work, delivering high-quality solutions on time and to budget.
• Collaborate with engineers, product stakeholders, and business users across McLaren Racing.
• Produce reliable effort estimates and communicate progress clearly to stakeholders.
• Contribute to engineering best practices, standards, and development methodologies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and share knowledge across the wider team.

Additionally, at Senior Specialist level

• Provide technical leadership across projects and larger workstreams.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and longer-term planning activities.
• Mentor and support other engineers.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks while driving continuous improvement.

Company Description

At McLaren Racing, software plays a critical role in how we innovate, make decisions, and improve performance on and off the track.

We're looking for experienced Python Software Engineers to join our Software & Data Science team on a fixed-term contract basis and help deliver Factory Flow, one of the most significant technology and business transformation programmes at McLaren Racing.

This is an opportunity to work on software that directly impacts how we design, manufacture, and race Formula 1 cars.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience developing software using Python.
• Experience building Python back-end services, APIs, and/or data pipelines.
• Experience delivering software solutions using agile methodologies and software engineering best practices.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design, software architecture, and engineering principles, including SOLID.
• Proven ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and driving delivery with minimal supervision.
• Experience with Git-based workflows, Azure DevOps (or similar), and SQL or document databases.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Desirable Experience

• Cloud platforms and distributed systems.
• Microservices architectures.
• Kubernetes and containerised deployments.
• Kafka or event-driven architectures.
• Front-end technologies such as React.
• Experience working within engineering, manufacturing, operations, or business transformation programmes.

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We're committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.

Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You'll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.
Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we're committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.