Senior Design Engineer - Composites (CBW)

Williams Racing; Retford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams Racing in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Design Engineer for the Chassis, Bodywork & Wings team. You will manage end-to-end engineering projects from concept to detailed design, supporting R&D and production through build, test and fault-resolution.

You will lead composite design, develop lightweight structures, perform calculations, and mentor students while driving continuous improvement and high-performance engineering across the CBW group.

Qualifications

• Experience designing large composite components and assemblies.
• Ability to lead projects from concept to completion.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
• Develop lightweight, efficient, cost-effective solutions with mass, stiffness and performance trade-offs.
• Produce structural and functional calculations and sign off with stress engineering.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, electronics, R&D, production and suppliers.
• Lead fault investigations and implement robust fixes.
• Mentor student placements and contribute to CBW team development.

Skills

Composite design

Project management

CAD proficiency

Detail-oriented

Leadership

Education

Mechanical Engineering Degree

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

About the Role

As a Senior Design Engineer in our Chassis, Bodywork & Wings (CBW) team, you'll run complete engineering projects - from bold conceptual ideas to detailed design - while supporting R&D and production teams throughout build, test, and fault-resolution phases. Your work will directly influence the performance, reliability, and success of cutting-edge automotive systems. You'll lead fault investigations, support drawing and assembly checks, and mentor student engineers. Alongside your project responsibilities, you'll also drive continuous improvement, contributing to smarter, more efficient design practices across the team.

About You

Designing large composite structures and components is second nature to you. You're a principles-first engineer with a deep knowledge of composite materials design and manufacture. You combine strong technical ability with a proactive attitude and a solid understanding of engineering design principles detailed drawings, and modern CAD tools (Siemens NX preferred). You take pride in producing precise, high-quality work, you're calm under pressure, and confident taking ownership of key projects from concept to completion. Clear communication and balanced judgement come naturally to you, and you work well with colleagues across all disciplines. As a senior, you lead by example and contribute to building a positive, high-performance team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for vehicle components and structures.
• Develop lightweight, structurally efficient, cost-effective solutions with a keen eye for mass, stiffness and performance trade-offs.
• Produce supporting structural and functional calculations.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, vehicle science, electronics, chassis, stress, transmission, R&D, production and external suppliers.
• Write clear technical procedures and system specifications.
• Lead fault investigations and implement timely, robust fixes.
• Support drawing and assembly checking, and provide Class 5 sign-off with stress engineering.
• Mentor student placements and help shape the next generation of engineering talent.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working with senior engineers to enhance design efficiency across the team.
• Act as a key point of contact for project allocation, supplier engagement, and user-acceptance activities.

What You Bring

• Strong understanding of engineering design for composite components and assemblies, aligned with industry standards.
• Excellent CAD skills and experience using engineering software for vehicle design (Siemens NX experience is a bonus although training is available).
• Demonstratable project management experience.
• Superb attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• A proactive, self-motivated mindset with the confidence to lead projects independently.
• A positive, open, and team-focused attitude, able to inspire colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent judgement, integrity and communication skills.
• Strong organisational abilities with a clear sense of prioritisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Marine or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Proven technical expertise in your specialism, with the ability to lead and own significant engineering projects.

Additional Information

#LI-JB1Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.

Summary

Type: Full-time

Function: Engineering

Experience level: Mid-Senior Level

Industry: Sports

Company Description

For almost 50 years, Williams Racing 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. Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors' Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers' Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has...