For many, working in Formula 1, especially for a powerhouse team like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, is a dream. The cutting-edge technology, the high-pressure environment, and the thrill of racing attract talented individuals from around the globe. Amidst global uncertainties, it’s crucial to find inspiration and guidance. We spoke with Won, a composite design engineer at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, to gain insights into his journey and offer motivation for those aspiring to similar F1 Mercedes Jobs.
A Day in the Life of a Mercedes F1 Composite Design Engineer
Won’s role as a composite design engineer is integral to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. His primary responsibility revolves around designing composite parts, which are crucial for the race car’s performance and structural integrity. This encompasses a wide range of components, from the robust monocoque chassis that protects the driver to the smallest aerodynamic winglets that fine-tune the car’s airflow. The role also extends to designing tooling necessary for manufacturing these intricate parts.
Collaboration is at the heart of Won’s daily work. He works closely with the Stress group to rigorously validate and optimize his designs, ensuring that each part can withstand the extreme forces experienced on the racetrack. Depending on the specific area of the car he is working on, Won also collaborates with other specialized groups within the team, focusing on aspects like packaging and integration of components.
When asked about the best aspect of his job, Won emphasizes the team spirit and the highly motivated individuals he works alongside. He contrasts this with negative experiences in group projects where motivation was lacking, highlighting the exceptionally driven and supportive environment at Mercedes. This collaborative atmosphere makes the demanding nature of the work enjoyable and rewarding. Adding to the unique appeal, Won mentions the daily inspiration of working alongside Formula 1 cars, a constant reminder of the extraordinary field he is in, making F1 Mercedes jobs truly special.
From Dream to Reality: Won’s Journey to F1 Mercedes Jobs
Interestingly, a career in Formula 1 wasn’t a lifelong ambition for Won. Growing up in South Korea, he harbored diverse passions, ranging from paleontology to astrophysics, each pursued with intense dedication. While he admired cars and airplanes and followed motorsports like F1, Dakar, and WRC, the possibility of working in Formula 1 seemed distant and unreal, a career path not visibly present in his environment.
Immigration to Canada and involvement in a university sports car club marked a turning point. Engaging in autocross and track days, and connecting with fellow car enthusiasts, opened his eyes to the motorsport industry. This network led him to a local company manufacturing racing wheels and aerospace components, where he undertook a placement and later a full-time role. Initially viewing it as a temporary foray into motorsport before a more conventional engineering career, this experience ignited his passion further.
Recognizing limited growth opportunities in Vancouver within motorsport, Won faced a crucial decision: pursue a “proper” job or fully commit to motorsport. He chose the latter, setting his sights on the UK, the heart of motorsport. Discovering motorsport master’s courses in the UK provided a clear pathway. This marked the moment when working in F1 transitioned from a distant dream to an attainable goal, specifically targeting F1 Mercedes jobs.
Won’s academic background laid a solid foundation for his F1 career path. He pursued standard science and math courses in high school, and surprisingly found unexpected relevance in a “3D art” class, where sculpting and wireframe work mirrored his current design tasks. In university, he specialized in materials engineering, focusing on advanced materials like composites, ceramics, and nanotechnologies. He also found a course on failure analysis particularly insightful, appreciating its systematic approach to problem-solving, akin to “CSI – Engineering”. Culminating his formal education, Won obtained a master’s degree in motorsport engineering from Oxford Brookes University, a known gateway for F1 Mercedes jobs.
Practical experience complemented Won’s academic qualifications. He undertook co-op placements at a steel mill’s R&D center, his university department, and the motorsport component company. The steel mill exposed him to large-scale production and stringent safety protocols, while also providing hands-on experience with advanced equipment. His research assistant role fostered time management skills and work autonomy. Crucially, Won emphasizes that these experiences, even those that revealed what he didn’t want to do, were invaluable in shaping his career direction, helping him refine his focus towards F1 Mercedes jobs.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in F1 Mercedes Careers
The journey to F1 Mercedes jobs is not without its hurdles. For Won, a significant challenge was maintaining belief in his motorsport career aspirations, especially after initial setbacks like not securing an F1 graduate position immediately after his master’s. However, he wisely broadened his perspective, recognizing the diverse landscape within motorsport beyond just Formula 1. He adopted a long-term career outlook, focusing on excelling in his current roles while remaining vigilant for future opportunities within F1 Mercedes careers.
Won’s proudest moment arrived with the Mercedes team securing the 2018 F1 Constructors’ Championship, his first. This victory was more than just professional achievement; it validated years of dedication, dream-chasing, and relentless effort. It also served as a profound expression of gratitude to his wife and family for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout his career pursuit of F1 Mercedes jobs.
A pivotal element in Won’s success story is his strategic approach to career progression. Inspired by astronaut Chris Hadfield’s methodical journey to space, Won charted a course from his current position to his F1 goal, identifying incremental steps to move closer. He started locally, pursued further education, gained experience at a composites supplier and a WRC team, each move strategically chosen to build relevant skills and experience. Turning down potentially higher-paying but less relevant roles demonstrated his commitment to his long-term F1 Mercedes job aspiration. This calculated approach ultimately led to his opportunity with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1, a direct result of his accumulated experience and focused career strategy. Won emphasizes this as an ongoing mindset of self-critique and continuous improvement, pushing himself to make a tangible difference within the team and secure his position in F1 Mercedes jobs.
The person who had the biggest impact on Won’s journey was Daryle, his former boss in Vancouver. Daryle, a racer himself, instilled in Won the values of hard work, team dedication, and humility. Daryle’s example taught Won that no task is too small and that a strong work ethic is essential for success in the demanding motorsport industry and in F1 Mercedes jobs.
Advice for Aspiring F1 Mercedes Job Seekers
Drawing from his experiences, Won offers valuable advice for students and aspiring professionals aiming for F1 Mercedes jobs, particularly relevant in challenging times. Reflecting on graduating during the 2009 financial crisis, Won empathizes with the uncertainties faced by students today. He stresses the importance of focusing on studies as an investment in their future. While acknowledging his own average grades, he advises current students to strive for academic excellence, as strong grades can provide a significant advantage when starting a career, especially in competitive fields like F1 Mercedes jobs. However, he also encourages students to not dwell on factors outside their control, like global events, and to adapt and persist in their career pursuits.
For those serious about F1 Mercedes jobs, Won highlights the significance of location, emphasizing the UK and Europe as hubs of the motorsport industry. While remote work possibilities may evolve, being geographically closer to the industry remains a considerable advantage for networking and accessing opportunities.
In conclusion, Won’s journey to securing F1 Mercedes jobs offers an inspiring roadmap for aspiring engineers. It underscores the importance of passion, strategic career planning, continuous learning, and unwavering perseverance. By focusing on skill development, gaining relevant experience, and maintaining a resilient mindset, individuals can navigate the competitive landscape and turn their dreams of working in Formula 1 into reality.
