Motorsport Engineer

The Work
As a motorsport engineer you would design, build and test racing cars and bikes in all racing divisions, including single-seater racing (such as Formula 1) and bike racing (such as MotoGP). Your work would often be at the forefront of engineering technology. You could work in either design, testing, production or racing. Your duties in the first three areas would include:
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assessing new ideas by looking at performance, strength, costs and safety designing prototypes with computer-aided design (CAD) software testing components and bodywork to increase a vehicle's performance testing working models on the track before vehicles go into full production building production models and carrying out quality control checks 'finishing' vehicles with the team's colours and sponsorship logos.

At race meetings, your duties would include: q setting up vehicles to suit track and weather conditions q monitoring engine speed and other data during races q fine tuning the vehicle and sending technical instructions to the driver or rider q carrying out 'after-tests' on vehicles after races to look for signs of damage. After races, you would attend debriefings with the race team to look at what worked well and where to make improvements.

Entry Requirements
This is a very competitive career to get into. You would normally need experience in vehicle engineering or a related area, such as component manufacturing, electronic controls or mechanics, backed up with relevant qualifications. This is the case in all racing divisions, but especially true if you want to work at the top levels of the sport. You can take courses specific to motorsport engineering and design, including foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs and degrees. Other engineering courses like mechanical, automotive, electronic, aerospace and production manufacturing may also be acceptable to employers. To search for foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees, visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. q Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Professional bodies recommend that you take courses that include work placements with manufacturers and suppliers. Schemes like the Formula Student programme, offered by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and partners, allow college teams to design, build and race vehicles against each other. For more details, see the Formula Student website. q Formula Student You may be able to train as a vehicle technician or design assistant at college, or as an apprentice with a company. With further study, you could eventually qualify as an engineer. For more details about technician-level training, see the job profiles for Motor Vehicle Technician and CAD Technician. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website. q Apprenticeships Visit the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) website for more information about careers in motorsport engineering. q Motorsport Industry Association There is a section for aspiring drivers on the Motor Sports Association (MSA) website, with details of different classes, events, driving schools and colleges linked to the sport. q Motor Sports Association

Hours
You would work long and irregular hours as part of a race team, and you could expect lots of travelling. During a season, you would arrive at a circuit several days before an event to prepare. You may also travel out of season to circuit-test cars and bikes. As a design, test or production engineer, you are more likely to be based at one site, although you may still work long hours.

Motorsport Engineer
Skills and Knowledge
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a strong interest in motor vehicle engineering and design excellent problem-solving skills a determination to succeed excellent technical knowledge the ability to analyse and interpret data good communication skills the ability to prioritise and plan effectively the ability to work under pressure to deadlines a willingness to keep up to date with new developments excellent teamworking skills a willingness to work flexibly.

Training and Development

You would usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. With a degree, you could get a place on a graduate traineeship with a vehicle manufacturer, a research and development facility or an automotive design firm. The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing runs a Graduate Programme for newly-qualified engineers, allowing you to develop the skills and knowledge required for the automotive industry. The Academy also offers professional development courses if you already work in the sector. Contact the National Skills Academy for details. With an engineering-related degree, you could take a postgraduate course, although this is not absolutely necessary. See the MIA website for information on relevant courses, including motorsport engineering, engineering design and aerodynamics. q Motorsport Industry Association

More Information
Motorsport Industry Association Federation House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF Tel: 02476 692600 www.the-mia.com National Skills Academy for Manufacturing 2410 Regents Court The Crescent Birmingham B37 7YE Tel: 0121 329 1970 www.nsa-m.co.uk Formula Student www.formulastudent.com Motor Sports Association Motor Sports House Riverside Park Colnbrook SL3 OHG Tel: 01753 765 000 www.msauk.org

Motorsport Engineer
Opportunities
Typical employers include test labs, automotive design firms, motor racing teams, race and rally schools and circuit operators. The largest concentration of employers are in the Midlands and the south-east. With experience, you could specialise in a particular engineering field, like engine transmission or electronics. You may also be able to progress to test or workshop manager, chief engineer, technical coordinator or technical manager. Engineering skills in the UK motorsport industry are highly valued around the world, and you may find opportunities to work overseas in Europe, the Far East and the United States. You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window) MIA jobs page UK Engineering Recruitment Volunteering in Motorsport We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.

Income
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Starting salaries are between 16,000 and 22,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to between 25,000 and 40,000.

Senior engineers working for a manufacturer's racing team would normally negotiate a contract with their employer. Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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