The Role
Brackley, UK
Build your skills. Make an impact. Race towards excellence.
Every dream needs a team.
Join the Control Systems Department as we take on the challenge of Formula One’s exciting new era of sustainable technical regulations.
By spending your year in industry with us, you will:
- Apply your learning in one of the most technically demanding global sports.
- Take on responsibility as you are supported and trained throughout your year.
- Join us for a year-long placement from the end of June 2027 to the end of July 2028.
- Work in a fast-paced environment at our state-of-the-art factory in Brackley.
- Be an integral part of a cohort of students working across all functions of our team.
Key Responsibilities
You will join the Control Systems department in one of two role areas: Applied Performance or Capability. Both placements sit at the heart of Formula One control systems engineering, involving embedded control software, real-time systems, simulation environments, calibration, data analysis and software tooling. You will be supported by experienced engineers while taking ownership of meaningful work, contributing to projects that directly support car performance, reliability and development efficiency.
Applied Performance
In the Applied Performance role, you will focus on how control systems behave on the car and during race and test operations, while building experience across many aspects of the on-car control system. You will build an understanding of the control systems, the mechanical systems they govern and the driver’s interaction with those systems. You will support remote operational control systems activities during race events, including real-time monitoring and post-session analysis, and create detailed pre- and post-event reports for performance control systems such as race starts, driveability and powertrain operation. You will also contribute to on-car systems calibration, data analysis and the development of physical and virtual control system test environments.
Capability
In the Capability role, you will focus on the simulations, test rigs, tools and infrastructure that allow control systems to be developed and validated. You will be involved in developing and maintaining real-time control systems, vehicle simulations, test facility controls and supporting development tools across our SIL, HIL, dyno and driver-in-the-loop simulator environments. This includes high-fidelity real-time vehicle simulation, industrial plant control, facility automation and integration with on-car electronics, allowing you to contribute to projects that underpin both factory testing and performance development.
Across both roles, you will be involved in:
- Developing and releasing control system software using Model Based Design in MATLAB and Simulink.
- Analysing and reporting on control system behaviour using data analysis tools such as MATLAB and Python.
- Contributing to physical and virtual test environments, including SIL, HIL, dynos and driver-in-the-loop simulators.
- Working with real-time hardware, automotive interfaces, industrial control systems and communication networks such as CAN, Ethernet and EtherCAT.
- Developing and maintaining engineering tools, automation and CI pipelines using technologies such as MATLAB, Simulink, C#, PowerShell and Azure DevOps.
You do not need prior experience in all these areas; curiosity, strong engineering fundamentals and willingness to learn are more important. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about reaching their full potential and are excited about constantly learning. Whatever your background and motorsport interest, we believe that you will find your placement with us a memorable and enriching experience.
Some flexibility in working hours may be required to support F1 race weekend activity or test events. You will need a positive, team-focused attitude, the ability to work to deadlines, and the confidence to take ownership of tasks while being supported by experienced engineers.
About You
Essential:
- Be studying a relevant engineering discipline, ideally with some specialisation in control systems. We are also interested in applicants from adjacent disciplines such as physics, maths, data science or machine learning.
- Have a strong background in an engineering discipline with excellent skills in Mathematics and Physics.
- Have at least one year remaining on your current course from the point at which you start your placement; or be enrolled on a follow-on course, such as a Master’s or PhD, and be able to provide evidence of enrolment.
- Take ownership of your work, showing initiative and independence as your experience grows.
- Be adaptable, proactive and collaborative, and thrive in a team environment.
- Show determination and resilience when tackling unfamiliar or challenging problems.
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail in your work.
- Apply an analytical and inquisitive approach to understanding engineering problems.
- Look for opportunities to learn, improve and contribute to continuous development.
Desirable:
- Experience or interest in embedded control system design, real-time systems, simulation, calibration, automation or software development.
- A passion for motorsport and curiosity about how control systems contribute to car performance and engineering capability.
Key Skills You Could Gain From Your Placement
- Practical insight into automotive and industrial controls, embedded software and real-time systems.
- Experience applying Model Based Design, simulation, calibration, data analysis and automation in a Formula One environment.
- Appreciation of team working in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
About Us
At the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, every win starts with the energy to exceed our exceptional standards.
It’s the belief and focus you give that powers our performance.
Whether you’re leading innovation, bringing precision to our manufacturing or supporting trackside operations around the world, every detail matters.
We’re setting new standards in our sport, together. More growth, more pride, more of what makes our team exceptional.
Give all. Gain more.
Benefits
When you put the effort in, we give it back. Start with a competitive salary, a generous joining bonus, add in a world-class wellbeing programme (including a free on-site gym), delicious, subsidised food, and private medical cover - all on our riverside campus powered by 100% renewable energy.
You’ll have everything you need to thrive both inside and outside of work.
Why Us
We believe that building a more inclusive and diverse culture helps us go faster and further.
From recruitment and building our future talent pipeline to internal communications and leadership training, we’re building a team where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.
Our aim is to attract, develop and retain exceptional people from all backgrounds, creating a workplace where all team members feel respected, supported and able to fulfil their potential.
Your Application
We will ask you to complete our application form as well as submitting a cover letter and CV. Please upload your cover letter and CV as one single PDF file.
Our IP programme is designed with the intent to progress into available graduate roles in the future. You will be required to meet the eligibility criteria of the IP programme including any right to work requirements for your application to progress.
As these roles are based in the UK, any visa sponsorship must meet current Home Office immigration rules.
Next Steps
As part of the selection process, you may be required to complete a combination of the following tests at various stages (if you have not completed the same test within the last 6 months):
- Technical and Psychometric Testing - you will have a 7-day window to complete your test with the deadline clearly stated in your test email.
Ref : 810