At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too.
Purpose of the Role:
Our new McLaren Technology Centre Wind Tunnel Facility recently came online; to support activity in this area we are now growing the Wind Tunnel team and looking for an Aerodynamicist - Wind Tunnel Technology.
This role will contribute to the development of the Wind Tunnel facility, test technology, and processes by ensuring that projects are driven to successful conclusion, delivering the greatest possible benefit to the aerodynamic development of the race car.
Role Dimensions:
The role sits in the Wind Tunnel Technology team, part of the Aerodynamics department, which is responsible for directing the development of existing and new technologies to deliver the most effective aerodynamic testing facility in Formula 1.
The role will involve close cooperation with other members of the Wind Tunnel Technology team, the R&D and software technology teams, and frequent liaison with the wider Aerodynamics department.
This role is factory-based at MTC (or days of WFH as agreed with your manager in line with company policy) but may involve occasional travel to suppliers and other facilities both within and outside the UK.
This role is predominantly carried out during standard working hours but some flexibility in working hours will be required to include evenings and weekends.
Principal Accountabilities:
Under direction from the Head of Wind Tunnel Technology, deliver projects targeted at improving Wind Tunnel test performance, covering the areas of test procedure and technique, and model and wind tunnel systems.
Represent the Wind Tunnel Technology group and wider Aerodynamics department in cross-functional teams working on these development projects, specifically the R&D and software teams – championing a collaborative approach in everything that you do.
Attend and evaluate technology development tests at the Wind Tunnel and associated test rigs.
Provide updates on project progress and test summaries.
Create guidelines and procedures for new techniques.
Use in-house software to create test sequences for the Wind Tunnel.
Occasionally provide support to aerodynamic development testing, applying skills and knowledge to advise on tunnel & model systems behaviour.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Practical experience of aerodynamic performance testing in a wind tunnel environment, including a sound understanding of the basic principles of force and pressure measurement.
Demonstrable experience of data-driven analysis and comfort handling data in different environments/using different software tools.
Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant Engineering, Science or Mathematics-based subject.
Desirable:
Understanding and appreciation of aerodynamic development processes.
Knowledge of both on- and off-body flow visualisation techniques.
Experience of using CAD tools.
Experience of aerodynamic development and testing in a motorsport environment.
Personal Attributes:
Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical approach, with high attention to detail.
A team player but with the initiative to make decisions to progress projects where required.
An energetic, positive mindset, driven by a desire to bring success to the team.
Able to work under pressure, to tight deadlines, often with ever-changing priorities.
Good communication skills, able to use different approaches to influence a wide variety of team members at all levels and across different departments/disciplines.
Flexible approach to working hours – F1 is a fast-moving sport and sometimes requires flexibility in working outside of standard hours/at weekends to bring a project across the line.
What McLaren can offer?
We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.
We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.
McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.
