Gaining Experience

SystemsWiz · Post 09 Apr 2007, 01:17

Hey everyone,
I am new to the f1technical forums, but from what i have been reading, i have come to the right place for tech talk. I am about to graduate from university (UNR) with a degree in electrical engineering, specializing in control systems. Control systems has always been my favorite subject and i know that i want to work in this field. Specifically, i want to work in the auto racing sector, with F1 being the holy grail *obviously*.

My problem is that i have no real experience in auto racing telemetry or control. Reno Nevada has literally zero industry when it comes to competitive racing or control systems in general. I have read loads of material on the subjects but that is quite different from hands on learning. So here is my question; What is the best route to getting some experience in automotive control? Should i just apply everywhere and just try to get my foot in the door? Does anyone know of any companies who are willing to train fresh graduates who what to continue in the field? I have been thinking about applying at TU Delft for their control systems grad school but i don't know if i want to go to grad school right away. I am fortunate to be a EU citizen, so i want to go to Europe to gain some experience. If anyone could give me some advice or insight, i would really appreciate it. I leave my question open to the limitless wisdom of the F1Technical forum. Thank you.

West · Post 09 Apr 2007, 08:47

If you're still in school, try applying for an internship somewhere. I don't know the motorsports scene in Nevada, but try contacting these folk for some racing experience:

http://www.petersenmotorsports.com/team.htm

It's not F1 but the ALMS can be just as exciting. Ask if you can help around or something for free; racing teams won't really hire anybody unless you have loads of experience.

People at my school got to work on the Saleen S7R (at the actual Saleen site) on an unpaid internship. Whatever it takes to get noticed...

riff_raff · Post 10 Apr 2007, 10:13

SystemsWiz,

I applaud your enthusiasm. But here's some advice from an ex-race team engineer: Aerospace pays WAY BETTER.

The race teams pay entry level engineers dirt wages and they'll work you like a dog. Opportunities are very limited, and ten years from now, all of your class mates that went to work for Boeing will be making twice as much money as you.

Good luck though.

Ranald · Post 10 Apr 2007, 11:16

Money isn't everyting. Surely a passion for racing can make up for the low pay and long hours.

ruud. · Post 10 Apr 2007, 18:33

Via a school like TU delft you have to make i think 2 periods of 6 months at a compagny to gain experience, during those times you can try getting into for example the spyker team. I dont know where the formula 1 factory is, they have more racing classes where they participate. But usually for a student the beginning job is to look a little bit how everything works , and cleaning the car after the training and race. Beside that i heard it is a nice experience , and you will have your contacts afterwards. You can wonder yourself if you need an extra automotive education for making control systems. Though you have engine components, in my opinion you can do the electronics without that automotive education...

Ciro Pabón · Post 10 Apr 2007, 21:53

I don't know if they pay well (that's important: if you sell well your work you may buy a racing car, after all...) but I think Scaled Composites is hiring. Just google for them. This seems to be the career of the future (and it also seems it will be... forever!

)

Carlos · Post 10 Apr 2007, 21:58

Sage advice:

http://www.scaled.com/

Carlos · Post 11 Apr 2007, 08:42

A recent inquiry was similar to yours. A return post offered 2 links. Out of curiosity I visited one site, which had a listing from an F1 team. It suggested military, automotive or experience in another racing series. Perhaps you might search the Forum Index. May I wish you good luck. Employment in a field one enjoys, is one of the true satisfactions of life. Scaled Composites would also be a very good career step and open opportunites not only to motorsport, but to a wealth of possibilities. As an example, my brother is an industrial designer. After he did a stint with Spar , an aerospace firm, noted for the robot arm on the space shuttle. He has been in constant demand. He has tried to retire several times, but has the blessed misfortune to be constantly offered consulting contracts that are not only extremely interesting, but lucrative. Aerospace & C systems are both related to projects developing vehicles which relate to your skill set. The military or defense industry may offer possibilities. One of our members who participated in the military aquired transferable skills which have led to a career in aerospace. Education and experience in such fields widen the stream of one's future.

Ray · Post 11 Apr 2007, 10:06

Yeah, I applied for a job at Scaled Composites and was told my skill sets were admirable but not in demand with them. But fortunately I was offered a job at Pratt and Whitney. It may not be a racing job that you are looking for, but the demand for aerospace mechanics and engineers will never go away. Someone has to fix and design the jets they transport their precious gear on!

SystemsWiz · Post 12 Apr 2007, 01:10

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will apply at Scaled Composites and see where it takes me.

Carlos · Post 12 Apr 2007, 09:01

Here's that thread SystemsWiz pg6/6

viewtopic.php?p=50289#50289

AeroGT3 · Post 14 Apr 2007, 02:32

riff_raff wrote:SystemsWiz,

I applaud your enthusiasm. But here's some advice from an ex-race team engineer: Aerospace pays WAY BETTER.

The race teams pay entry level engineers dirt wages and they'll work you like a dog. Opportunities are very limited, and ten years from now, all of your class mates that went to work for Boeing will be making twice as much money as you.

Good luck though.

As far as compensation, working hours, and generally having a life outside of work, it definitely pays to go into the Aerospace industry.

Schumi Il Maestro · Post 14 Apr 2007, 15:12

Just found this thread,and forgive me if i'm posting in the wrong one,but i need some advice....

I am currently doing my Bachelor's(ME),and am thinking of doing a course in either Auto-motive/-mobile Engineering or Motorsport Technology and Management after i finish my B.Tech(equivalent to a BEng elsewhere)....The problem is ,India being a country with almost zero motorsport 'experience',i really have noone to seek advice from here ! Very few,if any,take this route,and most of them harbour crazy fantasies of someday 'finishing their course,getting a job at Ferrari,and living happily ever after',so you can understand how little feedback i get!

So here's my problem-I (like a million other fools the world over

) want to get into motorsports.Maybe start off from FFord or some local European series....I realize experience is the key,so how do i go about getting it??!! And which course would be the best bet for a fresher from Uni looking for a career in the sport ? All i know is this-a course at Cranfield et al is a good choice,but obviously cannot guarantee one a job anywhere,let alone motorsport-Exposure ,while at the student level,to competitions like FSAE or the Altran Challenge,is very important and is almost a pre-requisite-And experience is everything!

What do i do next???!!

I've also heard around 30% of the engineers in F1 are from Imperial,so maybe applying there would be a good idea...?? I know it's tough getting in,but what the heck-it's worth a try!!

Or should i just go for a standard ME Master's degree and hope for the best ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated !!

And from what i've seen at this forum,i think i'm going to get real lucky real soon!!!

Schumi Il Maestro · Post 15 Apr 2007, 18:58

I might as well have been talking to myself.....