About the Role:
Edinburgh has a strong reputation for engineering, innovation, and advanced technology, and at Hooken Chassis Race Cars Ltd, we bring that same level of precision to high performance vehicle development.
We design and manufacture specialist race car chassis, suspension systems, structural components, and performance solutions for professional motorsport teams and automotive clients.
We are looking for a Principal Motorsport Design Engineer who can take technical ownership of complex vehicle and chassis development projects. You will lead engineering design activities from the initial concept stage through simulation, prototyping, testing, and final production.
You are not simply producing technical drawings. You are defining engineering solutions that improve vehicle performance, structural integrity, safety, reliability, and manufacturability.
You will work closely with vehicle dynamics engineers, manufacturing specialists, technicians, suppliers, and motorsport clients to turn demanding performance requirements into practical and competitive race car systems.
Why Work With Us?
The Environment:
Our engineering operation is based near the Sighthill and Bankhead industrial area of Edinburgh, providing convenient access to established manufacturing, transport, and engineering networks.
We maintain a practical and collaborative workplace where designers, engineers, technicians, and production teams work closely throughout the development process.
Engineering Influence:
You will have the authority to influence chassis architecture, materials selection, suspension packaging, structural performance, manufacturing methods, and design standards.
Your technical recommendations will directly contribute to the performance and reliability of our vehicles.
Advanced Engineering Tools:
Our team works with professional CAD, simulation, data analysis, and product lifecycle management systems.
You will use modern engineering tools to develop components, evaluate structural performance, optimise weight, and support manufacturing.
Professional Development:
You will receive support for relevant technical training, professional engineering memberships, motorsport conferences, and industry events.
We encourage continuous development in areas such as composite materials, vehicle dynamics, simulation, manufacturing technology, and advanced automotive design.
Key Responsibilities:
Motorsport Design Leadership:
Lead the design and development of race car chassis, suspension assemblies, structural components, mounting systems, and related mechanical systems.
Concept Development:
Translate vehicle performance targets and client requirements into practical engineering concepts, layouts, specifications, and detailed designs.
CAD and Technical Documentation:
Produce and review accurate three dimensional models, engineering drawings, tolerance specifications, assembly documentation, and manufacturing information.
Structural Analysis:
Work with simulation and analysis specialists to evaluate component strength, stiffness, fatigue performance, weight, and safety.
Design Optimisation:
Improve component performance by reducing unnecessary weight, increasing structural efficiency, simplifying assembly, and supporting reliable manufacturing.
Prototype and Testing Support:
Support prototype production, vehicle assembly, track testing, component validation, and technical investigations.
Analyse test results and recommend design improvements based on performance data and engineering observations.
Manufacturing Collaboration:
Work closely with machining, fabrication, welding, composite, and assembly teams to ensure that designs are practical, cost effective, and suitable for production.
Technical Leadership:
Mentor junior and senior engineers, review technical work, establish engineering standards, and provide constructive technical guidance.
Supplier Management:
Collaborate with specialist suppliers to confirm materials, manufacturing methods, component specifications, quality requirements, and delivery expectations.
Stakeholder Communication:
Present design proposals, technical findings, risks, and recommendations to internal management, motorsport clients, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
Engineering Compliance:
Ensure that designs meet applicable motorsport regulations, internal engineering standards, safety requirements, and quality procedures.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience:
At least 7 years of experience in motorsport engineering, automotive design, mechanical engineering, chassis development, or a closely related field.
Previous experience providing technical leadership, design supervision, or engineering mentorship is required.
Education:
A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Professional engineering registration or progress toward chartered status would be advantageous.
Technical Expertise:
Strong experience designing chassis structures, suspension systems, mechanical assemblies, fabricated components, or performance vehicle systems.
CAD Skills:
Advanced proficiency with professional three dimensional CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or an equivalent engineering platform.
Engineering Analysis:
A strong understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, fatigue, material properties, tolerance analysis, design for manufacture, and component validation.
Motorsport Knowledge:
Practical knowledge of race car construction, vehicle dynamics, lightweight engineering, motorsport regulations, and track focused vehicle development.
Materials Knowledge:
Experience working with materials such as aluminium, steel, titanium, engineering polymers, and composite materials would be beneficial.
Communication Skills:
Strong written and verbal English skills are required for technical documentation, project meetings, supplier communication, and client presentations.
Leadership:
You can review complex engineering work, make informed technical decisions, mentor other engineers, and maintain high design standards under demanding project schedules.
Mindset:
You are analytical, practical, and performance focused.
You understand when a design requires further optimisation and when it is ready to progress into prototype testing and production.
Pay: £95,000.00-£120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
