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Motorsport engineers design, build and test racing cars and bikes.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
As a motorsport engineer working in design, testing or production, you may:
As a motorsport engineer working in racing, you may :
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a car manufacturing plant, at a garage or in a laboratory.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need to complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in an engineering subject like:
You can also gain relevant skills through related engineering courses like aeronautical or electronic engineering.
It's useful to look for courses that include work placements, internships or year in industry opportunities with manufacturers and suppliers.
Check if universities are involved in schemes like Formula Student and Greenpower as these provide opportunities to get an insight into motorsport engineering, and to start to build contacts.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an engineering technician apprentice and go on to train through a degree apprenticeship in a related engineering subject.
Relevant engineering apprenticeships include:
You'll usually need:
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.
A good way to meet employers is to attend motorsport shows. You can speak directly to recruiters to find out what skills and experience they're looking for.
Read motorsport magazines and follow companies on social media for news and job opportunities.
You can get more advice about careers in motorsport from the Motorsport Industry Association and Your Future in Automotive.
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.
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.