Hydraulics Design Lead

Athena Racing are expanding our technical team with the goal of winning the America’s Cup, the oldest international competition still contested in any sport. We are building an agile, creative and collaborative team to compete and win at the pinnacle of the sport of sailing. Our team values have a sharp focus on maximizing performance from our designs, while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

We’re growing our hydraulics and mechanical systems team in support of this America’s Cup challenge. This is a unique opportunity to lead the design of the high-performance actuation systems that drive the flight and control of our yacht in one of the world’s most technically demanding sporting events.

• Lead the design and development of complex hydraulic systems, manifolds, and actuators from initial concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Manage the full design lifecycle—from schematic design and component selection to supporting manufacturing, testing, and performance validation.
• Collaborate closely with external manufacturing partners and suppliers to source specialized components and ensure production meets rigorous quality and lead-time requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Controls and Mechatronics teams to architect systems that integrate hydraulic, electrical, and embedded control elements.
• Provide technical leadership to the hydraulics team, ensuring robust engineering standards and thorough documentation are maintained.
• Provide hands‑on support during build phases, rig testing, systems integration, and on‑the‑water testing when required.
• Ensure compliance with AC75 Class Rules and Technical Regulations regarding hydraulic systems.

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Significant experience in the design of high-performance hydraulic systems, including rotary and linear actuators, valves, and manifolds.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD systems (ideally CATIA V6 / 3
  
  Dx).
• Strong understanding of mechatronic integration and servo-hydraulic systems.
• Proven ability to approach problems creatively and analytically in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams under high‑pressure conditions.
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and capable of leading projects in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

• Experience working in the Marine, Motorsport, or Aerospace sectors.
• Demonstrable experience designing and maintaining high-pressure hydraulic systems (e.g., >350 bar) for weight-critical applications.
• Deep knowledge of surface treatments, metallic coatings, and anodising processes suitable for corrosion resistance and wear in harsh marine environments.
• Understanding of yacht dynamics and the application of control strategies in real-world sailing conditions.
• Genuine interest in sailing or high-performance sports, with a passion for contributing to elite-level competition.

• Be part of a world-class America’s Cup team working at the intersection of sport and technology, with the chance to contribute directly to our sporting success and push the limits of human and technological performance.
• Opportunities for growth—we look to develop you to be part of the future of our team.
• Competitive package with:
  • 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays, per annum
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Life Assurance
  • Cycle to Work Scheme

• This is a full‑time role based in Portsmouth, with additional requirement to travel to other locations where necessary. Hybrid working arrangements can be discussed.
• Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience.