Motorsport Engineer

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Motorsport Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You'll usually need to complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. Relevant engineering courses include:

motorsport
automotive
electronic
mechanical

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could train through a degree apprenticeship in a related engineering subject.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
analytical thinking skills
customer service skills
persistence and determination
the ability to work well with others
problem-solving skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

As a motorsport engineer working in design, testing or production, you may:

assess new ideas by looking at performance, strength, costs and safety
design prototypes with computer-aided design (CAD) software
test components and bodywork
test working models on the track
build production models and carrying out quality control checks
'finish' vehicles with the team's colours and sponsorship logos

As a motorsport engineer working in racing, you may :

set up vehicles to suit track and weather conditions
monitor engine speed and other data during races
fine tune the vehicle and send technical instructions to the driver or rider
carry out ‘after-tests’ on vehicles after a race to look for signs of damage

Working Environment

You could work at a car manufacturing plant, at a garage or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could specialise in a particular engineering field, like engine transmission or electronics.

You could also progress to test or workshop manager, chief engineer, technical coordinator or technical manager.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status by applying to the Engineering Council.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering at motorsport event is a good way to make contacts in the industry and to get yourself known. Volunteers in Motorsport and British Motorsports Marshals Club have lots of ways you can get involved.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Attending motorsport shows is a good way to meet employers, ask questions and to find out exactly which skills and experience they're looking for.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in motorsport from the Motorsport Industry Association and Your Future in Automotive.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.