HOW TO BECOME AN
F1 DESIGN ENGINEER
A complete career guide – skills, qualifications, salary, and how to break in.
If Aerodynamicists decide what shape a Formula 1 car should be, it is the Design Engineer who figures out how to make it a reality.
This role is the bridge between concept and creation, a critical function that turns aerodynamic theories and mechanical requirements into tangible, manufacturable, and reliable components.
Every single one of the thousands of parts that make up an F1 car, from a complex front wing assembly to a simple bracket, has passed through the hands of a Design Engineer.
Working within the team’s drawing office, Design Engineers use sophisticated Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create detailed 3D models and technical drawings of every component.
Their work is a complex balancing act, striving to meet the performance targets set by the aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics departments while also ensuring the parts are light enough, strong enough, legal, and can actually be made by the manufacturing department.
It is a role that requires immense creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
WHAT DOES AN F1 DESIGN ENGINEER ACTUALLY DO?
The daily work of a Design Engineer is centred around the CAD station. They are responsible for the entire lifecycle of a component, from initial concept to the final detailed drawing that is sent to production.
A TYPICAL WEEK MIGHT INVOLVE:
- Conceptual Design: Taking a brief from another department, such as a new aerodynamic surface from an Aerodynamicist or a new suspension layout from a Vehicle Dynamicist, and starting to model initial design schemes in CAD.
- Detailed Modelling: Developing the chosen concept into a fully detailed 3D model. This involves considering everything from material selection and wall thicknesses to how the part will be fastened to the car and how it will be assembled by the mechanics.
- Structural Analysis (FEA): Many Design Engineers will perform initial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on their parts to simulate the loads they will experience and ensure they are strong and stiff enough without being unnecessarily heavy. More complex analysis is often handled by a dedicated Structural or Stress Engineer.
- Creating Technical Drawings: Producing the detailed 2D drawings that provide all the necessary information for the manufacturing department to produce the part. This includes dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and surface finishes.
- Liaison and Problem-Solving: Working constantly with other departments. They collaborate with Aerodynamicists to integrate surfaces, with manufacturing to ensure their designs are possible to make, and with Reliability Engineers to analyse any failures and design improvements.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED
A successful Design Engineer combines engineering theory with practical design flair.
EDUCATION
A degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Motorsport Engineering is the standard requirement. A strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing techniques is essential.
GCSE's
- Mathematics and Sciences (particularly Physics)
Design and Technology (or similar)
English Language
Strong grades in Mathematics and Physics are particularly crucial, as they form the bedrock of engineering theory. Design and Technology develops early spatial awareness and practical design skills.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Expert-level CAD proficiency: This is the primary tool of the job. Most F1 teams use high-end software like CATIA, so experience with this is a major advantage.
- Understanding of GD&T: A deep knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing is crucial for creating clear, unambiguous technical drawings.
- FEA Software: Experience with analysis software (e.g., Abaqus, Ansys) is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Materials: A good understanding of the properties of materials used in F1, such as carbon fibre composites, high-strength steels, and titanium alloys.
A-LEVELS
- Mathematics (mandatory)
- Physics (essential)
- Further Mathematics or Design Technology
Securing top grades (typically A* or A) in these subjects is important for admission to the most competitive university engineering courses. Further Maths is highly regarded by top universities, while Design Technology demonstrates practical aptitude.
SOFT SKILLS
- Creativity and Innovation: The ability to come up with clever solutions to complex packaging and performance challenges.
- Meticulous attention to detail: An error in a drawing can lead to a costly manufacturing mistake.
- Communication: The ability to communicate design intent clearly to other engineers and departments.
- Spatial reasoning: The ability to visualise complex 3D assemblies in your mind.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
- Mechanical Engineering (most common and versatile route)
- Automotive or Motorsport Engineering (more specialised focus on vehicle dynamics)
- Aeronautical Engineering (relevant for aerodynamic design and lightweight structures)
A BEng or MEng degree from a well-regarded institution, ideally with active participation in Formula Student, is the standard entry requirement.
All information on this page is given in good faith and you should always speak to a careers advisor before making any decisions about your career. Formula Careers can not be held responsible for any actions taken or outcomes, either positive or negative, as a result of following any information or suggestions on this page.
HOW TO BREAK IN: THE ENTRY PATH
EDUCATION
Complete a relevant engineering degree. Focus on design-related projects.
MASTER CAD
Become an expert user of a major CAD package. CATIA is the industry standard in F1, so gaining experience with it through your university or personal projects is a huge plus. Create a portfolio of your design work to showcase your skills to potential employers.
FORMULA STUDENT
As with most F1 engineering roles, participating in Formula Student is invaluable. Join the design team and take ownership of a specific area of the car, like the suspension or the chassis.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Seek internships or placements in the design office of an F1 team or a company in their supply chain. This is the best way to gain real-world experience.
GRADUATE ROLES IN F1
Apply for Graduate Design Engineer positions. Your portfolio, CAD skills, and practical experience from Formula Student will be the key things that set you apart.
SALARY RANGE
SALARY SNAPSHOT (Estimated)
Graduate/Junior Design Engineer – £32,000-£45,000
Mid-Level Design Engineer – £45,000-£70,000
Senior/Principal Design Engineer – £70,000-£100,000
Figures are estimates and can vary based on team, experience and performance-related bonuses. Confidence: High (verified from multiple F1/motorsport-specific sources)
FACTORY-BASED OR TRACKSIDE?
99% FACTORY-BASED
This is a 99% factory-based role. The Design Engineer’s place is in the drawing office, working at a powerful CAD workstation.
On very rare occasions, a Design Engineer might travel to a test or a race to help troubleshoot a specific issue with a new part, but this is the exception, not the rule.
WORK SCHEDULE
The lifestyle is very stable, with regular hours, though they can be long when deadlines are tight.
Development pushes before the start of a new season or ahead of major upgrades will often mean extended hours.
This lifestyle means Design Engineers enjoy a predictable work environment with minimal travel, allowing focus on detailed design work and collaboration within the factory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which CAD software is best to learn for F1?
CATIA is the most widely used high-end CAD software in Formula 1 and the wider aerospace industry. If you have the opportunity to learn it, you will have a significant advantage. However, being an expert in any major CAD package (like SolidWorks, NX, or Creo) is still very valuable, as the fundamental skills are transferable.
Do I need to be good at drawing or sketching by hand?
While not essential in the modern era of CAD, the ability to quickly sketch an idea on a whiteboard or piece of paper to communicate a concept is still a very useful skill. It helps in brainstorming sessions and for conveying initial ideas before committing them to a detailed CAD model.
What is the difference between a Design Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer in F1?
The roles can be very similar and often overlap. Generally, a Design Engineer is more focused on the CAD-based design and detailing of specific components. A Mechanical Engineer might have a broader remit, looking at the integration of systems, undertaking more analysis, or working on the operational side of things, such as on a test rig or dyno.
A SELECTION OF UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK WHICH OFFER A RELEVANT ENGINEERING PROGRAMME
(Formula Careers does not endorse any particular University, and all educational establishments are listed in no particular order)
University
Oxford Brookes University
Relevant Degree Programme
BEng/MEng Motorsport Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Renowned as a well-regarded route for F1, featuring the highly successful Oxford Brookes Racing Formula Student team and teaching by F1 professionals.
University
University of Bath
Relevant Degree Programme
MEng Mechanical with Automotive Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Known for Team Bath Racing, one of the UK’s top Formula Student teams, and strong placement years in the automotive and motorsport sectors.
University
University of Portsmouth
Relevant Degree Programme
BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Offers strong practical experience through its Formula Student team and solid engineering fundamentals applicable to motorsport design.
University
Cranfield University
Relevant Degree Programme
MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
A prestigious postgraduate-only institution with an Industrial Advisory Board full of F1 technical directors and strong industry links.
University
Loughborough University
Relevant Degree Programme
MEng Automotive Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Features LUMotorsport, a leading Formula Student team, and offers excellent engineering facilities and strong ties to the UK’s Motorsport Valley.
University
Imperial College London
Relevant Degree Programme
MEng Mechanical Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Offers a rigorous engineering foundation with the Imperial Formula Racing team, highly respected by motorsport employers for analytical and design roles.
University
University of Southampton
Relevant Degree Programme
MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics / Mechanical Engineering
Why It’s Relevant
Highly regarded for aerodynamics and design, supporting graduates into motorsport and high-performance engineering roles.
CASE STUDIES
Composite Design Engineer
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team
I mainly design composite parts for the race car and tooling to make them. As a group we cover everything from structural parts like the monocoque, to a tiny winglet. We work closely with the Stress group to validate and optimise our parts and laminates.