About the Company
Williams Grand Prix Technologies help solve our customers’ engineering challenges using world-leading capabilities in the areas of platform dynamics, advanced materials, simulation, testing, high performance computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Operating across a wide spectrum of sectors, from aerospace and premium automotive to sport and lifestyle, we deliver a unique and world-class offering that draws on an unrivalled and trusted pedigree, earned at the forefront of motorsport engineering and diversified advanced engineering excellence.
Our team operates from our headquarters in Grove, UK. By combining exceptional talent with unique engineering assets, we tackle our clients’ most complex challenges with the agility and precision that our motorsport heritage demands.
Position Overview
As the Head of Aerodynamics & CFD, you will take on a critical leadership role in managing and overseeing customer programs at our Formula One wind tunnels. You will be responsible for scheduling, running, and reporting on aerodynamic testing programs, while working closely with machine learning and data science engineers to optimize design, simulation, testing, and data workflows. This position also involves driving innovation in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), bringing new approaches that challenge traditional methods.
Your leadership will ensure that the aerodynamics team delivers high-quality, cutting-edge solutions that enhance performance across motorsports and other sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the scheduling, execution, and reporting of customer programs at Formula 1 wind tunnels, ensuring high-quality testing and timely delivery of results.
- Manage and oversee the aerodynamic testing process, working closely with customers to ensure their requirements are met with precision and efficiency.
- Collaborate with machine learning and data science engineers to integrate AI-driven solutions that optimize aerodynamic design, simulation, and testing workflows.
- Drive innovation in CFD engineering, introducing disruptive approaches that improve the accuracy and efficiency of aerodynamic simulations and wind tunnel tests.
- Develop advanced CFD models and ensure they are properly integrated into the wind tunnel testing process for seamless workflows between design, simulation, and testing.
- Optimize the use of high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud resources to run high-fidelity simulations and enhance the accuracy and speed of aerodynamic analyses.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to the aerodynamics team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including vehicle dynamics, simulation, and data science, to deliver integrated solutions that enhance overall vehicle performance.
- Ensure effective reporting and communication of test results to customers, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams, translating complex technical data into actionable insights.
- Champion the adoption of best practices in aerodynamics engineering, ensuring the team stays at the forefront of industry innovations and standards.
Preferred Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Aerodynamics or a related field with a focus on fluid dynamics and CFD; PhD preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in aerodynamics engineering, with a proven track record of leading aerodynamic design, wind tunnel testing, and CFD analysis.
- Extensive hands-on experience with CFD tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent/CFX, OpenFOAM, or similar platforms, with strong knowledge of fluid dynamics principles.
- Demonstrated experience in leading wind tunnel programs, with responsibility for scheduling, running, and reporting on tests for high-performance applications.
- Strong background in integrating machine learning and data science techniques into aerodynamic simulations and design processes.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar, with experience automating workflows and optimizing simulation processes.
- Deep understanding of high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud-based resources for running large-scale simulations and enhancing model accuracy.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex aerodynamic challenges.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage customer relationships, and deliver results in high-pressure environments.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable Knowledge & Experience:
- Proven ability to introduce disruptive CFD approaches, leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML techniques to enhance traditional aerodynamic workflows.
- Experience with digital twin technology and real-time aerodynamic data analysis for performance optimization.
- Knowledge of multi-physics simulations and optimization techniques for improving aerodynamic efficiency in motorsports and aerospace applications.
- Prior experience in high-performance industries, such as Formula 1, wider motorsports, where aerodynamics is a critical performance factor.
Why Join Us?
Williams Grand Prix Technologies is based at the Williams Racing Campus in a multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The Williams Group offer a competitive holiday package, staff events/open days, a subsidised restaurant on site and various car schemes. We have an on-site gym (open 24 hours a day) as well as various fitness classes including outdoors bootcamps, pilates and yoga free for all staff and contractors to use. Aside from these benefits we can offer free onsite parking and large open green spaces to unwind during breaks. We are a based just 30 mins from Oxford City Centre by bus.
At Williams Grand Prix Technologies, you will be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of engineering innovation. You'll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across various industries, making a global impact. We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment where your skills and creativity will be valued and encouraged.
Williams is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.
If you’re ready to take your career to new heights and make a significant impact, please send a CV to careers@williamsgptech.com. We invite you to apply and join our team!