The company:

Williams’ core competencies are the design and development of racing cars to compete in the Formula One World Championship. As one of the world's leading Formula One teams, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles since its foundation in 1977 and is now moving into an exciting era under new ownership defined by relentless innovation and living sustainable performance in every dimension.

Job Title: Prototype and Test Industrial Placement

Reports To: Head of Prototype & Test

Department : Prototype & Test

Direct Reports: Prototype & Test – Test Manager and Mentors

Role Purpose:

The Prototype and Test Student is the yearly placement position within the Prototype & Test department, providing basic skills and knowledge to assist in a wide variety of tasks involved in testing parts and assemblies for F1 cars and other engineering projects. The test work ranges from prototype build to performance, legality and structural test of everything from individual components to full vehicles.

Operational Duties:

General

To carry out all forms of testing on or off-site for which the department has responsibility or involvement, including build and maintenance of test rigs and associated equipment and assembly of items under test
To ensure that sensors are correctly calibrated prior to performing any tests
To complete test reports (when required) and test schedules for all tests that are undertaken
To ensure that test rigs are operated and tests are performed in a safe manner
To ensure that testing areas, workbenches and storage areas are kept clean and organised
To maintain test rigs where necessary and report any maintenance requirements that could result in injury to the user or other staff
To assist with all activities undertaken by the Prototype and Test department when asked to do so
To co-operate with department colleagues by sharing knowledge gained in previous tests and projects, this should be done in a friendly and helpful manner
To liaise with all other departments within the company as required in order to carry out test work efficiently and correctly
To sign off pass-off test documentation for components and assemblies tested in the department

Test Lab

To maintain and operate the department’s eight post rig, assisting with car build and set-up changes before and during testing
To support the department’s involvement in all forms of off-site testing, such as MIRA, Cranfield and other on- or off-track events
To service and maintain hydraulic equipment (ring mains, power pack, actuators etc)
To carry out component and sub-assembly tests for strength, durability and performance using a range of hydraulic test equipment (hand pumps, single axis test machines, multi-axis bespoke rigs)

Test Cells

To build, maintain and operate the department’s rotating rigs in all test cells
To build, maintain and operate the department’s pass-off rigs
To support the department’s involvement in all forms of off-site testing, such as AP brake testing, engine supplier liaison and other on- or off-track events
To maintain test cells and associated equipment, including cooling rigs, electronics installations etc
To be trained to use and operate equipment featuring hazardous voltages, including defibrillator

Mock-Up

To maintain the mock-up as a true representation of the build specification of the car, as specified by the Design Office, tracking CRS releases
To assemble rapid prototype sub-assemblies and component sub-sections to form complete parts
To carry out any test work that can be completed using the mock-up systems
To assist with all aspects of driver seat fitting
To build and pre-fit aerodynamic test equipment prior to on track aero test events

The position:

Do you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team who are collaborating to create the next winning Formula 1 car and make their way back to the top of the Formula 1 constructors’ championship?

Williams is one of the world’s most famous Formula One teams, who thrive on teamwork, respect and engineering excellence. Located in rural Grove in Oxfordshire Williams is an exciting environment with driven, supportive and ambitious people. At Williams you will be supported in your role by industry experts and work with the most up to date technologies. Your work will count and have an impact on the car and the future success of Williams.

What we are looking for:  

Highly motivated students who are passionate about learning from our industry experts.  
Passion for engineering, innovation, creativity and technology.  
Someone who shares a common interest and is ready to work together to win! With our placements, you are a fully involved member of the team from day one. Your work counts, you have an impact on our team’s success.

The role:

Core competencies:

When shortlisting student placement applications for the Prototype & Test Industrial Placement, we look for relevant subjects at University in subjects such as Mechanical/Automotive Design, Physics, Mathematics or a similar related subject. Students will have a minimum of two years’ experience at University before the placement starts.

It is also essential that you should return to your course for a minimum of one year following completion of the placement. We are unable to accept applications from students in their final year of their university studies/candidates who are not currently studying at university.

Core Skills:

In addition to the above, candidates with some practical experience would be beneficial and proven experience in report writing and data analysis. Interest in areas such as Formula Student and F1 in schools may be an advantage, as well as demonstrating an active interest in leisure activities such as go-karting, restoring or working on cars, or building working models of cars and planes. We also heavily encourage applications to let us know any engineering work experience we celebrate the fact we are an engineering company; this is our passion.

You don’t have to have a specific Interest in Formula 1 we are looking for people with a keen interest in STEM subjects and creative minds and knowledge to develop the next winning Formula 1 car.

Application closing date: 3rd December 2023

Application Process:

The application process will consist of submitting a CV, covering letter and answering some initial questions. Your CV will go through screening with our resourcing team and the hiring managers. Once selected you will be invited to an assessment centre which is likely to be held virtually.

When applying for student placements opportunities, all students are expected to submit a covering letter along with a Curriculum Vitae containing the following information: 

• Your current career aims and how you plan to achieve them 

• Subjects that you are currently taking and plan to take 

• Relevant leisure pursuits and activities 

• Why you would make the ideal candidate for the role  

Students that are shortlisted will be invited to attend a virtual assessment day. The virtual assessment days are scheduled to take place in October or beginning of November. We will obtain academic references as part of the selection process.  

Applications for the student placement programmes should be uploaded through our website by visiting www.williamsf1.com. We will not accept applications which are not submitted through our website, any paper-based applications will be returned to the sender with a copy of our policy. 

Please note that we cannot give applicants individual feedback unless they have attended the assessment day at Williams.

What can Williams offer?

The Williams Group is based in multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The Williams Group offers 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.

Williams is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments

Prototype & Test - Industrial Placement 2024