At Atlassian Williams F1 Team, methods engineering is part of how we create the winning formula. They’re about optimising our processes, maximising productivity, and making better manufacturing decisions, so that we can get a better car to track faster. It’s a job that requires real technical understanding, and an ability to work closely with our stakeholders across the team.
Here, we speak to Gareth Read, Head of Methods Engineering, about how his team support performance across the team and what the role is really like.
What do methods engineering jobs involve?
Methods engineering jobs help to optimise our processes, from design concepts to final production.
In a sport where time and money is limited, making intelligent and informed choices about our engineering processes is essential.
As Gareth explains:
“We provide design for manufacture and production engineer parts through to the car. Essentially, it’s production engineering the parts to make sure that they get through the car in the quickest time possible.”
Why methods engineering matters in F1
Methods engineering matters because performance in Formula 1 depends on more than strong design. Parts need to move through the business efficiently and meet the level needed to challenge for podium places. Methods engineers help make that happen, creating the link between ideas and delivery so the wider team can work at speed without losing quality.
Gareth shares how his role is key to unleashing potential:
“I make real impact by working with groups of individuals to strip away inefficiencies to deliver items to the car in the shortest amount of time. Currently we're looking at updates and how they can progress through to the car in the shortest amount of time, but also to the quality level that's required day-to-day.”
What skills do methods engineer jobs require?
Methods engineers think technically, but also practically. You need to be comfortable spotting where time or effort can be reduced without compromising quality. Strong communication matters too, because the role depends on working closely with our different teams.
That fits closely with the behaviours that matter at Williams. Innovation starts with people who seek information, generate ideas, and think flexibly.
In F1 methods engineering, that can mean exploring shopfloor data from every angle, challenging assumptions and refining processes when a better route appears. Teamwork matters too, because this is a role built on connecting with empathy and collaborating with purpose across design, manufacturing and beyond.
The role also suits people who enjoy a challenge. As Gareth shares:
“Everyday there's something new that you haven't thought of that you need to either go and research or work with others to understand. You always come out of the day richer in knowledge, knowing that you've made a difference.”
How do our values show up in methods engineering jobs?
The values that fuel our mission are mirrored in the everyday work of our methods engineering teams. Accountability is seen in the focus on quality and getting the detail right. Excellence is there in the constant push to refine and raise standards. Resilience matters too, because progress often comes through solving problems at pace and staying focused when the pressure is on.
These values are part of how methods engineers help drive progress across the team. As Gareth shares:
“I’ve seen our values in action many times over the last year where we’ve had an issue between events where you need to actually ask people to go that extra mile to deliver something, to work on something. It can be challenging at times, but more importantly, no one person is left to it. There’s a collective pulling together that makes sure they’re not passing on a problem and that everyone understands what they need to do and deliver in a timely fashion without creating new problems.”
What is it like to work in F1 methods engineering at Williams?
Working in methods engineering means being close to the action in a role that is both technical and collaborative. No two days look exactly the same, and that fast pace is part of what makes the role so rewarding.
Gareth describes what makes Williams special:
“Our culture at Williams is crucial to our success and teamwork is absolutely vital. No one person can make the car and they certainly can't deliver it to where it needs to be. Everybody collectively working together to provide solutions, logistics and literally everything that's required for that car is really, really special.”
“Williams has been a really welcoming and nice environment to work in. The rich history mixed with the people makes it a fantastic place to come everyday. Being able to walk around the experience centre and look at all the cars, reminding me of when I was younger watching the Grands Prix on TV, is great.”
How can you get into methods engineer jobs?
There is no single route into methods engineering jobs, but a strong grounding in mechanical or manufacturing engineering can open the door. Apprenticeships and hands-on engineering experience are often the first step, while a willingness to learn and an interest in how engineering ideas become race-ready reality are equally valuable.
Gareth shares his own story:
“My pathway started with getting a good mechanical engineering apprenticeship which transitions well into Formula 1 and the chassis side as well. I would advise anyone looking to get into methods engineering at Williams to go for it.”
“You never know until you apply. Certainly, pay interest in Formula 1 and what's going on. See what experience you can get outside of Formula 1, even just helping out down a local garage gives you an understanding of the tools used and the environment which will carry over into your career.”
Ready to explore methods engineering jobs?
Working in methods engineering at Williams offers the chance to shape the future of an iconic team. Explore our methods engineering jobs and wider engineering roles to find your place and create the winning formula.
