Employment within F1 or lower formulas

[AndrewEH1]

Hey, I'm looking for some advice really.

I am currently working in a defence engineering company in Scotland and as cool as it sounds the day-to-day work is a bit boring and repetitive. Yes I'm sure you get that everywhere you work.

I don't have a degree, but several years experience in a wide range of technical roles. I would be looking for a technician role rather than a engineering role, but I suppose there might be some progression within a team/company to move up the ranks as it were as your experience and skill develop? By summer next year I will also have an HND in Engineering Systems.

Obviously I don't come from a motor engineering background but I would guess that a lot of skills are transferable.

I'm really looking for advice from people who are working within motorsport to whether this might be a viable career option, and what I can do to improve my opportunities. Thanks

[robmlufc]

Mechanical? Electrical?

A lot of skills are transferable. Experience with mil spec electrical plugs and connectors or aircraft hydraulics are good examples.

Edited by robmlufc on Thursday 12th July 13:07

[AndrewEH1]

robmlufc said:

Mechanical? Electrical?

A lot of skills are transferable. Experience with mil spec electrical plugs and connectors or aircraft hydraulics are good examples.

I'm probably more interested in mechanical than electrical but I have experience with both, more with electrical I suspect...

Sadly I have hardly any experience with hydraulic, we mainly deal with the avionics systems, like radar and sensing, rather than controls.

Edited by AndrewEH1 on Thursday 12th July 14:00

[Life Saab Itch]

Sounds like you'd be qualified for a career in loom building/cusom looms/data aquisition.


Bear in mind though that motorsport has the highest number of applicants per job than pretty much any other industry.

[Lauren87]

Mclaren electronics have some vacancies for electrical engineers on their website

[lbc]

Life Saab Itch said:

Bear in mind though that motorsport has the highest number of applicants per job than pretty much any other industry.

Doubt that is true, and a few years ago the pay was quite poor at technician level, but maybe things have improved in recent years?

[robmlufc]

lbc said:

Doubt that is true, and a few years ago the pay was quite poor at technician level, but maybe things have improved in recent years?

Base pay is pretty good for a technician but you normally won't get paid for overtime. Its not really something you do for the money.

[emicen]

Does it definitely have to be motor racing? Matchtech had a lot of interesting automotive roles with companies like Ricardo who do the MP4-12C engine for example.

Take it you're a Selex'er?

[AndrewEH1]

emicen said:

Does it definitely have to be motor racing? Matchtech had a lot of interesting automotive roles with companies like Ricardo who do the MP4-12C engine for example.

Take it you're a Selex'er?

I'm not sure, just had a look at some open positions and one or two of them don't sound completely out of my skill base.

Basically I'm bored, and what's more exciting than motorsport? The way the teams work together both at the factories and at the track appeals to me.

[RenesisEvo]

AndrewEH1 said:

Basically I'm bored, and what's more exciting than motorsport?

Speaking as someone working at the sharper end of the motorsport industry, the 'excitement' can wear a little thin at times, especially at 10pm on a Sunday night (when you're paid only for Mon-Fri). It might sound cool, but it can be as dull and repetitive as any other job. However it can be great and awesome at times (e.g. being lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the garage/on the pitwall at Silverstone yesterday during a test). I don't want to put you off, just be wary thinking the grass is greener. Also, a lot of motorsport in the UK is based around the Thames Valley, you would have to be happy to relocate a long way. But if you have enormous passion for the sport you will love it.

Do have a look on the Autosport job page, I think there are some technician roles available.

[thunderbelmont]

+1 on that.

I worked as a subbie to an engine supplier some years back with F1 team on the test team as a wizard of the black art (radio engineer). If you like long hours, sod all sleep, stab wounds in your back, lots of travelling, no home life, then this is the job for you!

I went for a proper job with another F1 test/race team some time later, got to the final choice - me or someone who was working in F3000, and I decided not to take it as I had recently become a father, and family is important to me.

The money was damn good then.

Though they don't have test teams at the moment....

Back in those days there was a lot more work about in F1.

I don't work in the industry formally now, I'm self employed, and I do supply a few teams with radio kit & support, but my work is elsewhere now.

Now, lower formulae. I went for a job as a No.1 mechanic with a British GT team, the manager was going to offer me the job, but when he mentioned what he was willing to pay, I nearly fell off the chair. Stacking shelves in Tesco came to mind!! (perhaps not quite - but a LONG way from F1 money).

So, in summing up, if you're willing to work hard, love a challenge, not worried about doing long hours as a salaried employee (ie: no overtime), like living like a HoBo, and don't mind being blamed for things that are not your fault, then go for it. Salaries may vary from 15K upwards, but many pay expenses on top when you're away - which helps.