Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Non F1

The Role Brackley, UK

The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer will play an important role in our Applied Science Design Group, working across a range of projects, with primary responsibility for the suspension design function. The role encompasses suspension architecture, kinematic and compliance (K&C) development, and detailed engineering activities according to the needs of the design and development programme. The position may require periods of autonomous work on specific projects or to lead a small group of focused engineers within a particular design function.

The Applied Science department plays a key role in delivering high‑performance engineering outside of F1, contributing to a wide range of advanced vehicle and design programmes. The work is diverse and technically demanding, involving both engineering and design challenges depending on the needs of each development project.

Although the core focus is on non‑F1 vehicle platforms, there are also opportunities to become involved in other high‑performance, non‑F1 initiatives across the wider organisation.

We’re interested in speaking with engineers who have experience in, or the ambition to move into, high‑performance engineering, and who are excited by the idea of working on cutting‑edge, fast‑paced programmes.

A key role to support and reinforce the design function of the team, and to enable the design group to achieve the primary objectives within the project programme.

Own the end‑to‑end design, validation and delivery of suspension systems and related mechanical assemblies for top‑tier motor sport programmes and selected Applied Science projects. You will lead the design and development of complex, safety and performance critical suspension systems and assemblies from concept through R&D testing to implementation.

Set design standards and mentor a small team of designers while collaborating closely with aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, test & reliability, manufacturing and suppliers.

• Manage and deliver design projects as directed by the Head of Mechanical and Composite Design.

• Own the suspension design work stream, from target setting, concept architecture and kinematic definition through to detailed design, release, testing and in‑service reliability.

• Lead the design and integration of suspension systems and associated components, ensuring all performance and packaging targets are achieved.

• Work closely with Vehicle Dynamics group to translate performance requirements into robust suspension concepts and deliverables.

• Manage and mentor a small group of designers: plan workload, set priorities and deliverables, run design reviews, coach best practice and uphold drawing and PLM standards.

• Drive consistent, reliable and innovative design output across all assigned projects.

• Generate 3D assemblies and 2D drawings with full GD&T, tolerances and effectivity; manage configuration and change control in PLM.

• Lead and contribute to peer reviews of concepts and detailed design.

• Perform and oversee CAE stress analysis and hand calculations to deliver optimised designs.

• Adhere to strict project timelines and contribute to management of the integrated plan for assigned projects.

• Specify and manage development and validation programmes for suspension systems and safety-critical structural components.

• Create innovative and efficient design solutions that deliver performance.

Candidate Profile

• Mechanical, automotive, or aeronautical engineering degree (2:1 minimum grade) or similar qualification.

• High level motor sport (e.g., F1 or equivalent) or comparable high integrity engineering background, with a proven record of delivering complex engineering projects, including test correlation and reliability closure.

• Demonstrab…