Principal Design Engineer - Composites

For almost 50 years, Williams F1 has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name. 

Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.

Williams F1 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Composite Design Engineer to join our Chassis, Bodywork and Wings (CBW) group. As a Principal Engineer, you'll split your responsibilities between technical delivery and people/project leadership so it's the ideal opportunity for an engineer who leads from the front and remains hands-on with design work.

You will act as the technical authority for a complete car area or system, owning projects from a blank CAD canvas through concept, detailed design, through to delivery. Working closely with teams across the Vehicle Engineering team, the Head of CBW, and Chief Engineers, you will define technical direction, ensure performance targets are met, and uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability.

You'll also manage a team of engineers, varying in experience and skills. We're looking for you to instil a culture of high performance, ambition, innovation, and trust. Your role as their team leader is to not only ensure your team are set up for success to deliver technically, but also that they are continuously developing, learning, and becoming principles-led engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical ownership of major car systems from concept to track

• Hands-on CAD design, producing layouts, detailed parts, drawings and laminates

• Lead and govern large engineering projects, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and coaching to engineers within the group

• Act as a key interface with Manufacturing, Quality, Prototype, Test and Trackside teams

• Support resource planning, recruitment and performance development within the department

• Deputise for the Head of Department when required

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven track record of delivering high-performance motorsport designs

• Expert-level CAD capability (Siemens NX preferred) and strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes

• Able to balance strategic oversight with detailed, hands-on engineering

• Well organised, resilient, and effective in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment

• Collaborative, influential and aligned with the wider vehicle engineering vision

This role offers the opportunity to shape both the technical direction of the car and the development of the design team, within one of Formula 1’s most iconic organisations.

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Atlassian Williams F1 Team is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.