How to Become an Engineer on a Racing Team

A good racing engineer understands math, chemistry, physics and related subjects.

Car design is a key factor in how fast a race car can go and how well it handles. This is why racing teams employ racing engineers. The engineer's job is to examine the mechanics, shape and physics of the car to determine what can make the car go faster and hew to the track better. Both education and hands-on experience are key to becoming a racing engineer, with aspiring engineers often taking non-engineering jobs on racing teams to learn and network, says Peter Wright of Grandprix.com .

Instructions

1. Obtain a degree in motor-sport mechanical engineering or a closely related field such as physics. According to Bob Bolles of Circletrack.com, colleges across the United States offer degrees ranging from bachelor's to doctorates in motor sports. Wright asserts that at least a master's degree is preferable to employers.

2. Participate in as many motor-sport engineering competitions as possible while in college. One of the most famous is Formula SAE, a competition in which college engineering teams design and race a small car. Network at the competitions and learn from your competitors.

3. Call or write racing teams and inquire about volunteer or basic-pay positions. These jobs involve tasks like cleaning the cars and changing tires and can be pretty far removed from engineering duties, as Wright describes in his recommendation to start "from the ground up." It isn't glamorous, but you'll get first-hand experience in how the teams attempt to improve the vehicles.

4. Update your resume to reflect your volunteer or paid experience with racing teams.

5. Identify the racing series -- that is, particular racing divisions -- and the teams tracing in each. Contact these teams in person or in writing. Schedule formal interviews if possible. Take lower-level positions offered, advancing to positions such as crew chief. Apply and accept entry-level engineer positions if offered and apply for head engineer positions once you have a few years of experience.

References

• f1technical.net; Life as a Race Engineer and a Mechanic's Role; 2011
• Graduatingengineer.com; Engineers, Start Your Careers; Anne Baye Ericksen; 2010
• Grandprix.com; How to Become an Formula 1 Designer/Engineer; Peter Wright; September 1997
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Aerodynamics in Car Racing; Bryan Yager; August 2001
• Circletrack.com; Motorsports Schools - Racing Technology; Bob Bolles; July 2008