Senior Mechanical Designer

Cadillac Formula 1 Team; Northampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motorsport team in the UK seeks a Senior Mechanical Designer to take ownership of designing high-performance components for their Formula 1 program. You will lead the development of CAD designs, ensure manufacturability, and mentor junior engineers while working with multiple departments. The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, extensive CAD experience, and a strong background in suspension and brake systems. Join this elite team to push the boundaries of motorsport engineering.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in suspension, brakes, steering, or cooling systems.
• Extensive proficiency with high-end CAD systems.
• Excellent knowledge of mechanical manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of CAD schemes and detail drawings.
• Own full lifecycle responsibility for assigned projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior team members.

Skills

Suspension design

Brakes and cooling systems

Leadership

Problem-solving

Proficiency in CAD systems

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA V5

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to play a pivotal role in the design and development of high-performance, race-critical components and systems for our Formula 1 program. In this role, you will take full ownership from initial concept through to manufacture, testing, and track-side validation, delivering right-first-time solutions under the tight timeframes and uncompromising standards of elite motorsport. You will champion innovation, ensure exceptional manufacturability and reliability, and pass on your expertise by mentoring and guiding junior engineers. Collaborating closely with aerodynamics, vehicle performance, and manufacturing teams, you will uphold the highest standards of quality, documentation, and continuous improvement to keep our cars at the sharpest edge of competitive performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of CAD schemes, layouts, and detail drawings for mechanical components, focusing on right-first-time design.
• Design systems including, but not limited to, inboard suspension, composite suspension members, braking systems (brake ducts, dampers), and steering components.
• Own full lifecycle responsibility for assigned projects, from initial design through manufacture, test, and performance validation, ensuring manufacturability, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior team members to ensure best practices and knowledge sharing, and collaborate cross-functionally with other design departments.
• Support innovation by exploring new technologies, materials, and processes such as additive manufacturing and AI-driven design tools.
• Apply high standards of documentation, quality control, and communication across all deliverables, remaining current with developments in motorsport and beyond to drive continuous improvement and competitiveness.

Requirements

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (equivalent to 2:1 or above) preferred, with proven expertise in at least one of the following: suspension, brakes and cooling, steering, or cooling systems.
• Extensive proficiency with high-end CAD systems (CATIA V5 or 3DX preferred).
• Excellent knowledge of mechanical manufacturing processes, materials selection, and structural/mechanical analysis.
• Experience leading projects and managing delivery schedules and cross-disciplinary communication.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; self-motivated with a proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
• A team player who positively contributes to a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Security and Background Checks

Please note that additional security checks may be required as part of the recruitment process, including a background check covering a minimum of the past five years and a criminal record check.