R&D Controls Engineer

Are you ready to take on the challenge of designing and delivering cutting-edge controls projects? As a P&T Controls Engineer, you'll be the vital link between P&T, System, and Controls engineering. Collaborate with Test and Support Engineers on exciting department development projects, with a primary focus on F1 and opportunities to contribute to customer and heritage projects. If you're passionate about innovation and teamwork, join us and make an impact!

Role Responsibilities:  

To work as directed by the P&T manager and HOD, alone and with other members of the P&T department, to meet the requirements of the operational duties below.

Operational Duties & Key Objectives:

• To work with the P&T Electronics Engineer to provide all round electronics/controls support for P&T and other production departments as required.

These will include, but are not limited to:

• Specifying, building and programming all aspects of National Instruments/Labview control systems
• Specifying, building and programming dSpace control systems
• Specifying, building and programming SpeedGoat control systems
• Maintaining department Matlab analysis scripts and Matlab/Simulink installations
• Managing department rig PC resources, including specifying new machines where required
• Designing and building bespoke electronic equipment and tools
• Designing and coding bespoke monitoring software and tools where required
• System troubleshooting (looms, electronics, rig failures, control software)
• Specifying and working with electric motors/dyno absorbers (asynchronous, PMMs etc)
• Test rig CAN, Ethernet communications, Ethercat & CANFD
• Use of MESL SECU, HIU, LIU, Atlas and system monitor
• Developing P&T expertise in control, electronics and electrical systems, keeping up to date with latest technologies and learning new skills
• To provide support and assistance to all members of P&T, working as part of a collaborative team to carry out all P&T tasks
• Assist with the delivery of department electronics projects and upgrades
• Communicating and liaising with all other departments within Williams
• Ensuring the department has the tools and equipment to complete all tasks to a high standard
• Ensuring the department presentations is to the standard of a world class facility
• Creating a ‘safe’, positive and supportive working environment
• Attend company meetings to gain information for project planning/requirements
• Liaison between Systems, Controls engineer, Electronics production, Planning, Design and Production, regarding test requirements, procedures and conventions.

Main Duties

• Provide a weekly update report on task and project status
• Collaborate with Wind Tunnel Facilities and DIL to follow WF1 procedures and conventions and utilise a wide range of experience and specialities.
• To assist with all aspects of the activities within the Prototype and Test department when required to do so, including all items listed in the standard P&T Test engineer & P&T Technician job description
• Record and work with department performance measures for target date delivery performance and cause of any downtime or delays
• Maintain positive relationships with all other factory departments
• To implement the company’s Health and Safety policy
• Maintain high standard of department presentation, as appropriate for a showcase facility visited by potential sponsors and other VIPs
• Contribute to systems/processes tools and development
• To maintain high standards of tidiness and organisation within the P&T department, including all offices, work benches, storerooms and working areas
• To lead and develop new and existing projects and department tasks
• To contribute to all forms of off-site testing, including VTT, Brake dyno, FIA dynamic testing, MIRA K&C, Cranfield CofG and other on- or off-track events

Brand Management

• Drive high standard of department and test rig presentation, as appropriate for a showcase facility visited by potential sponsors and other VIPs.

People & Development

• Contribute to personnel development in the field of controls engineering
• To provide coaching and mentoring of any future direct reports and ensure everyone is delivering a positive and supportive working environment.
• Identify ways to continuously improve department and personal performance.
• Provide training to industrial placements students on department systems.

Communication

• Encourage a spirit of two-way communication and positive employee relations. Encourage feedback and ensure team members are kept informed of changing requirements.  Also encourage positive relationships with other departments driving a spirit of teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Be a positive role model and ambassador for the department and strive to build a strong working relationship with colleagues in other departments and at the track

Health & Safety

• To ensure that you are aware of risk assessments that are in place for the P&T environment to include enforcing the wearing of PPE along with any safety measures that are required as a result of risk assessments.
• Ensure the reporting of any incidents, including near misses in a timely manner.
• Always ensure that you take care of your health and safety and that of others by complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards.

This job description is not exhaustive or exclusive to Formula 1, and the job holder will be required to carry out from time to time tasks in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within their capabilities.

For almost 50 years, Williams Racing has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name. 

Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) can be beneficial.
• Proficiency in software tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and CAN configurations
• Experience with data acquisition and telemetry systems
• Knowledge of vehicle systems including brakes, differential, clutch, suspension, and steerin
• Hands-on experience in motorsport or automotive industries
• Familiarity with high voltage systems and electronic systems management
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

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Atlassian Williams Racing is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.