Design Engineer

How to Become an F1 Design Engineer

Department: Engineering & Technical

Role Overview

An F1 Design Engineer is responsible for the detailed design of specific car components or systems. This could involve mechanical parts (like suspension elements, gearbox internals, steering systems), composite structures (like the chassis, wings, or bodywork), or other complex assemblies.

Using advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, primarily CATIA (though NX is also used), they create detailed 3D models and 2D technical drawings that specify dimensions, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing instructions.

Key responsibilities include ensuring designs meet performance targets (weight, stiffness, durability), comply with strict technical regulations, are manufacturable and reliable, and integrate seamlessly with other parts of the car, particularly aerodynamic surfaces.

They work very closely with aerodynamicists, stress analysts (FEA), manufacturing departments, and trackside engineers to develop, iterate, and problem-solve designs throughout the car’s lifecycle.

Types of Job Roles

Junior/Graduate Design Engineer

Often focuses on designing less complex components, modifying existing designs, creating detailed drawings from senior engineers’ schemes, managing CAD data, and supporting testing or manufacturing processes.

Senior/Principal Design Engineer / Chief Designer

Leads the design of major car systems (e.g., entire suspension, chassis structure). Responsible for conceptual design, project management, technical sign-off, mentoring junior staff, solving complex design challenges, and potentially overseeing the entire design office function (in the case of a Chief Designer).

Study Path

What to Study at School/College

  • A strong performance in Maths and Physics is fundamental.
  • Subjects like Design & Technology, Computing, and Further Maths are highly advantageous.

What to Study at University

  • One of the most common degree is a Bachelor’s (BEng) or integrated Master’s (MEng) in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Degrees in Motorsport Engineering or Automotive Engineering are also very relevant.

Top Tip

Consider looking for courses accredited by professional bodies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), potentially offering a route towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Courses with strong placement years (sandwich courses) are usually highly regarded.

Recommended Skills

Hard Skills to Consider

  • Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly CATIA (V5/V6/3DExperience) and/or Siemens NX.
  • Strong understanding and application of technical drawing standards, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Good knowledge of Materials Science (properties of metals, composites, polymers).
  • Understanding of various Manufacturing Processes (e.g., CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, composites moulding and layup, additive manufacturing/3D printing).
  • Solid grasp of fundamental Mechanical Engineering principles (statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress/strain, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics).
  • Awareness and basic understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) principles for structural and thermal analysis (specialist analysts often perform the detailed work).
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software concepts.
  • Knowledge of relevant F1 technical regulations.

Soft Skills to Consider

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
  • Exceptional attention to detail – critical for accurate and safe designs.
  • Good communication skills, both written (documentation) and verbal (discussing designs). Strong visual communication through drawings and models.
  • Effective teamwork and collaboration with engineers from different disciplines.
  • Strong spatial reasoning ability (visualising 3D objects).
  • Creativity and ingenuity, especially when designing within tight regulations and performance constraints.
  • Ability to manage time effectively and work diligently under pressure to meet deadlines.

Extra Curricular Activity Ideas

  • Formula Student/Formula SAE: Arguably the most valuable activity. Joining your university team, specifically in a design, manufacturing, or technical management role, provides direct experience in CAD, analysis (basic FEA), material selection, manufacturing liaison, testing, and intense teamwork – mirroring F1 processes.
  • Personal Projects: Designing and building things! This could be modifying cars or bikes, building robots, 3D printing functional parts, machining components, or entering CAD design competitions. Documenting these projects thoroughly (photos, drawings, analysis) is key.
  • Software Proficiency: Develop strong CAD skills. While F1 teams mainly use CATIA/NX which can be hard to access personally, becoming proficient in accessible software like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Onshape demonstrates aptitude. Try to learn about FEA principles and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing).
  • Practical Skills: Gain basic hands-on workshop skills if possible (e.g., through university workshops, clubs, or personal interest) – understanding how things are made (machining, welding, composites layup) makes you a better designer.
  • Relevant Societies: Join engineering, design, or motorsport societies for networking, seminars, and potential industry links.

Work Experience Suggestions

Gaining relevant experience early requires initiative. Focus on building skills and showing your passion:

  • Develop Core Soft Skills: Part-time jobs (retail, hospitality etc.) build vital skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and handling responsibility – all valued in high-pressure F1 environments. Learn to articulate these skills on your CV.
  • Seek Local Technical Exposure: Look for opportunities at local engineering firms (especially those involved in mechanical design or manufacturing), CAD draughting offices, advanced manufacturing centres, or even garages with a focus on performance or restoration. Ask about work shadowing or short placements.
  • Practical/Making Roles: Any experience involving manufacturing processes, quality control, or hands-on assembly can provide valuable context for a future design role.
  • STEM Volunteering: Assisting with school STEM clubs or outreach events demonstrates passion and communication ability.
  • Formula Student as Experience: This is often viewed by recruiters as equivalent to a professional placement due to its intensity and relevance. Dedicate significant time if possible.

Top Tip

Build Towards Internships.

Use these foundational experiences to strengthen your CV, making you a more competitive applicant for formal internships in F1, high-performance automotive, or aerospace companies during your university studies (typically applications open in autumn for the following summer or year).

Case Studies and Further Information

Many F1 Technical Directors and Chief Engineers have strong backgrounds in design. While top roles change, figures like Adrian Newey are renowned for their holistic design and aerodynamic capabilities.

Teams typically have a Chief Designer or Head of Mechanical Design overseeing the design office structure.

Progression often involves moving from designing individual components to leading complex systems like suspension or transmission design, before potentially moving into senior management roles overseeing larger parts of the car’s technical development.

Won Ju

Mechanical Design Engineer
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Often focuses on designing less complex components, modifying existing designs, creating detailed drawings from senior engineers’ schemes, managing CAD data, and supporting testing or manufacturing processes.