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Motorsport engineer

Motorsport engineers design, test and build racing cars, rally cars and motorcycles.

Annual Salary

£27,000 to £60,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

39 to 45 variable

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Motorsport engineer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

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

  • design prototypes using specialist engineering software
  • assess designs using simulations, virtual reality (VR) and physical models
  • test parts, bodywork and performance in the lab and on the track
  • build production models and run quality control and safety checks
  • apply team branding and sponsorship logos to vehicles or bikes

At race events you would:

  • set up vehicles to handle track and weather conditions
  • analyse performance data during races, like engine speed and aerodynamics
  • fine tune vehicles and send technical instructions to the driver or rider
  • carry out ‘after-tests’ at the end of races to look for signs of damage

Working environment

You may need to wear protective clothing.

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

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in motorsport or automotive engineering.

Employers may also accept related subjects, like:

  • mechanical engineering
  • aeronautical engineering
  • materials science
  • software development
  • electrical or electronic engineering

Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for jobs. It can also help if you want to join a graduate training scheme with a motorsport engineering company, or their suppliers.

You can check if universities are involved in schemes like Formula Student and Greenpower. These provide opportunities to get hands-on experience and to make contacts within the industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an engineering technician apprenticeship, then go on to train on a higher or degree apprenticeship in an engineering subject.

Engineering apprenticeships include:

  • Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship (on a level with incorporated engineer status)
  • Manufacturing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering and work experience

Volunteering at motorsport events 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.

More information

Career tips

A good way to meet employers is to attend motorsport shows. You can speak directly to companies to find out what skills, experience and qualifications they're looking for.

Read motorsport magazines and follow companies on social media for news and job opportunities.

If you want to learn more about being a racing driver, check out the advice from Motorsport UK.

Further information

You can get more information about careers in motorsport from:Motorsport Industry Association; Motorsport UK

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With experience, you could specialise in a particular type of engineering, for example engine transmission or electronics.

You could also become a:test or workshop supervisor; chief engineer; technical co-ordinator; technical manager; race team manager

The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) recommends you choose a course that include work placements with manufacturers and suppliers, and volunteering at racing events as a marshal. 

The Motor Sports Association and British Motorsports Marshals Club have more information on racing and marshalling.

The MIA and Your Future in Automotive have more information on becoming a Motorsport Engineer.

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • problem-solving skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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