Senior Race Testing Operations Engineer - Formula1

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. Everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching... And measure your progress in milliseconds... And play your part in racing history... You belong here. High performance starts with you.

Purpose of the Role:

As a Senior Specialist, Software Operations, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of the software systems that underpin the McLaren Formula 1 Team. This role is responsible for providing operational support, developing monitoring tools such as dashboards and alerts, automation, and performing system administration tasks before, during, and after F1 tests. The successful candidate will work closely with various team members to ensure our systems run smoothly, contributing to the team's overall performance on and off the track.

Role Dimensions:

The Software & Data Science department is responsible for the analysis, design, and delivery of bespoke software tools and methodologies that drive the performance of McLaren in Formula 1. In this role, you will own the software and hardware environment that makes F1 testing possible. This environment supports multi-dimensional simulation and car setup optimisation and supports trackside operational decision-making tools including real-time telemetry analysis, race strategy, and historic recording of every aspect of racing. We are a cross-functional group, bringing together data science, machine learning, software engineering, and DevOps to deliver performance-focused platforms and solutions.

Due to the nature of F1 testing, flexibility to work out of office hours and weekends will be required. For test weeks, you’ll offset your week (Weds-Sun) and be based at the prestigious McLaren Technology Centre. During non-test weeks, a proportion of your time can be spent working from home.

Principal Accountabilities:

Operational Support:

• Provide first and second-line support for software systems used by the McLaren Formula 1 team during test events.
• Effectively prioritise issue resolution and support requests originating at track.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues in a timely manner, ensuring that teammates are kept up to date throughout.
• Collaborate with software engineers and IT staff to address and resolve technical problems.
• Document incidents, solutions, and standard operating procedures for future reference.

Testing Platforms:

• Implement and configure our monitoring systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and system health metrics used at Test Events.
• Develop and maintain monitoring dashboards and alert systems to ensure real-time visibility into system performance.
• Analyse monitoring data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
• Work with stakeholders to customise monitoring tools to meet specific needs and requirements.

System Administration:

• Perform routine system administration tasks, including software deployment and configuration.
• Build automations for operational processes that will make the team more efficient.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
• Work closely with DevOps Engineers to maintain the reliable operation of our Kubernetes.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Essential

• BSc in Computer Science or equivalent discipline (2:1 or above) or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience in software systems support, preferably within a high-performance or fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in developing monitoring tools and dashboards using technologies such as Grafana, Prometheus, or similar.
• Strong understanding of system administration, including Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Familiarity with containerisation technologies e.g., Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation and tool development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Familiarity with a programming language such as C#, Python, or TypeScript/JavaScript.
• Familiarity with relational (SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres) and/or NoSQL (MongoDB) databases.

Desirable

• Ability to use large unfamiliar codebases to help diagnose issues.
• Knowledge of network protocols, storage systems, and troubleshooting techniques.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying, owning, and resolving issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment.
• High level of motivation, with a passion for motorsports and a commitment to excellence.
• Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the Formula 1 industry.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Approachable, with balanced judgment and a high level of personal integrity.
• Reliable and punctual – willing to put the team first.
• Willingness to work non-standard hours, including weekends and travel, as required by the racing calendar.

What can McLaren offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Here at McLaren, we offer hybrid working with 3 days a week based in the MTC.

Our state-of-the-art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.

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