Software Engineer - Formula1

McLaren Racing; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Racing is seeking a skilled software engineer to contribute to bespoke software tools used by Hypercar and IndyCar teams. You will develop, maintain and support software that analyses data to boost on-track performance while collaborating with engineers across multiple disciplines.

The role requires experience with OOP, C# or Python, and familiarity with web tech and Kubernetes. A motorsport mindset and willingness to travel internationally are valued, with a flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• 2+ years of commercial software engineering experience.
• Motorsport experience or equivalent high-performance environment.
• Strong understanding of OOP, design patterns, data structures & algorithms.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases; test-driven development.
• Degree in CS or relevant engineering field (BSc).
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. C#, Python).
• Experience with web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes and DevOps/GitOps concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop bespoke software solutions to analyse data and improve on-track performance.
• Work with multiple languages, technologies, and data formats across projects.
• Participate in all software lifecycle stages: requirements, design, development, deployment, maintenance and support.
• Collaborate with engineers across IndyCar and Hypercar groups daily.
• Assist in day-to-day operations: respond to queries, monitor systems, run stand-up and planning meetings.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to adopt new tools and technologies.

Skills

C#

Python

Object-oriented programming

Data structures & algorithms

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

Motorsport experience

Web technologies

Education

BSc in Computer Science or engineering

Tools

Kubernetes

DevOps / GitOps

Job description

The dual-series software team is a small, diverse and inclusive group which delivers the highest quality bespoke software tools and support to McLaren's Hypercar and IndyCar teams. We take pride in delivering user-focused, well built, efficient tools with close attention to detail, to allow both series' engineering teams to deliver high performance at the track.

We are one of the few groups that directly participate in two events that form part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport: the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the 24 Heures du Mans.

We are a close-knit, small dedicated team that supports each other, owns our mistakes and is continuously looking to improve. We aim high and seek to exceed expectations at every opportunity. We get stuck into any challenge that faces the racing team, owning the outcome end-to-end, with everyone in the group having a vital role in contributing to the success of the team on track. We do this by developing, maintaining and supporting software but also by contributing to the smooth running of the team in any areas we can.

Role Dimensions:

• Reporting to the Head of Software Engineering, you will contribute to the development and support of bespoke software tools for McLaren's Hypercar and IndyCar teams.
• Out of hours work, weekend working and working across different time zones for event support at venues around the world will frequently be part of the role.
• Occasionally, trackside support and international travel will be required.
• You may be required to take on additional roles and responsibilities that suit your skills beyond developing and supporting software, depending on the needs of the team to go racing.
• The team is based at McLaren Technology Centre, Woking. We operate a flexible hybrid model, regularly working from the office for collaboration with the team.

Principal Accountabilities:

• You will contribute to the development of bespoke software solutions that we use to analyse our data, continually improve our performance, and deliver results on track.
• You will work with a wide range of programming languages, technologies and data formats across multiple projects.
• You will be involved in all stages of the software lifecycle, including requirements analysis, specification, architecture and design, development, deployment, maintenance and support. You will be guided by your manager and mentored by other members of the team.
• We support the software and tools we produce and collaborate with engineers at many levels and in many departments of the IndyCar and Hypercar engineering organisations daily.
• Contribute to the day-to-day smooth operation of the team by responding to support queries and alerts, checking monitoring and systems, and helping to run stand-up, retrospective and planning meetings.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to improve relevant skills and identify new tools and technologies which may benefit the team.

Qualifications

These points outline a general set of skills and experience that will be applicable to this role. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement.

• 2+ years of commercial experience applying software engineering in a practical environment.
• Motorsport experience, or equivalent experience in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, for example prior military service, in the games or aerospace industries, with real-time systems or similar.
• Strong theoretical understanding of fundamental concepts, such as object-oriented programming, design patterns/principles, data structures and algorithms, relational and NoSQL databases, test-driven development, leveraging AI to improve software quality.
• Either practical experience equivalent to, or holding, a BSc in Computer Science or relevant engineering degree.
• High proficiency in at least one common programming language applied in a commercial setting (e.g. C#, Python).
• Some experience with web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Some familiarity with technologies such as Kubernetes and DevOps / GitOps concepts will be a benefit.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for going racing and delivering performance through high-quality output and attention to detail.
• Capability to adapt to working with a variety of technologies based on the engineering requirement.
• A small-team mentality to get the job done to a high standard and on time and getting stuck in where required for the race teams to succeed.
• A team player who wants to make a difference and directly contribute to our on-track performance.
• Aptitude to interface with engineers and technicians from a variety of disciplines.

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.