Engineering has always been the backbone of success in Formula 1. Behind every podium finish is a team of brilliant, boundary pushing engineers. Becoming an F1 engineer is a career like no other. If you’re ready to unleash your potential and make real impact, it’s a chance to be part of something special.
Every winning car is fueled by a team of engineers who push the limits of innovation to gain the extra milliseconds that matter most. At Atlassian Williams Racing, engineering expertise is the key to taking us back to the top.
Wondering how to become an F1 engineer? Find out more about this exciting career path and hear from our team members.
What does an F1 engineer do?
Formula 1 engineering jobs are varied. From aerodynamicists to race engineers, each plays a huge role. The masterminds behind every high-speed decision, engineers are often the difference-makers on race day.
Roles vary, but the goal remains the same: reaching the podium. Matthew Salisbury, principal aerodynamicist and a member of our team since 2013, shared how his work translates into better performance on the track.
“I manage one of our development teams that looks after the floor. If we make a better floor, the car has more downforce, or less drag, and hopefully goes faster. I love seeing that an idea one day can reveal downforce, go into the wind tunnel, and translate into performance; it’s such a hit every time.”
What qualifications do F1 engineers need?
To become an F1 engineer, an academic background in engineering or a related field is the typical first step.
- GCSEs and A-Levels in numerate disciplines, such as maths, physics, and design and technology
- A bachelor’s degree in mechanical, automotive, aeronautical, or electrical engineering
- Hands-on experience through internships or placements will help you stand out
University isn’t the only path. Apprenticeships offer another entry route into F1 engineering, although competition is fierce. At Atlassian Williams Racing, we’re also committed to finding and nurturing talent through our early careers programmes and graduate schemes.
Why become an F1 engineer at Atlassian Williams Racing?
F1 is all about passion and ambition. As an Atlassian Williams Racing engineer, you have the chance to write your own chapter in our storied history. We’re here to win, and so are our engineers. Alongside some of the brightest minds in motorsports, you can shape the future of racing in this role.
As well as joining a world-class engineering team, there’s also the chance to experience the thrill of races, travel with the team, and see the impact of your work firsthand.
As Henry Mansfield, senior design engineer, explained, an F1 engineering job comes with experiences you won’t get anywhere else.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to go to a couple of trackside events in my time with Williams. I went to Hungary a couple of years ago and got to do the grid walk before the race, which was a pretty special moment, both professionally and as a fan.”
Life as an F1 engineer: what you can expect
Justin Vasiljevic, composite design engineer, sheds some light on why becoming an engineer at Atlassian Williams Racing is an exciting opportunity.
“I joined Williams in January 2022, and it was my first job - a dream job to get straight out of university. It has been a really good experience and a good challenge improving my technical engineering skills as well as my communication and other skills.
At the start of the year, I was lucky enough to go to Bahrain for preseason testing, and that has been my most memorable experience: to see what it’s like at the track, the pressures the mechanics and engineers are under, and how the work I do as a designer affects people at the track.”
Alex Seed, design quality engineer, agreed, sharing some of his experiences as an F1 engineer.
“Since joining in January 2023, it’s been amazing. I was lucky enough to go out to Baku in 2023, and I’ve been working closely with the trackside team this year. We all say the same thing, but it really is the people that make Williams a good place to be. Everyone’s drive to do everything is just amazing.”
Our engineers are always moving and striving for success, race after race, season after season. If you’re looking to make a difference in an iconic and ambitious team, do so by following Justin and Alex’s footsteps into an exciting engineering role in F1.
Ready to unleash your potential?
The formation of Atlassian Williams Racing marks the start of an exciting new era for our team. There’s never been a better time to become an F1 engineer and play a part in our transformation. We’re coming together to innovate our way to the top. From our early careers to trackside opportunities, you can find your place, here.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Explore our engineering jobs and take the first step today.
