Junior Design Engineer

Junior Design Engineer

Location: Upper Heyford / Hybrid
Reports to: Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Direct Reports: None

FAT Karting League (FKL), part of Smedley Group, is a forward-thinking motor sport organisation transforming the way people experience karting. Our mission is to make high-quality racing accessible, engaging, and performance-driven, while building a community that thrives on innovation, consistency, and growth.

We deliver premium, repeatable racing experiences and are rapidly expanding both nationally and internationally. Joining Smedley Group means being part of a team redefining the industry, breaking down barriers, and shaping the future of electric motor sport.

We are looking for a motivated Junior Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation electric karts — from early concept through prototype build and into production readiness.

This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced engineering role where you will work closely with experienced engineers, contribute real design work, and see your components built, tested, and raced. You will gain exposure across mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and structured product development within a growing motor sport organisation.

You will collaborate cross‑functionally, learn rapidly, and help turn engineering requirements into robust, manufacturable designs.

• Create and update 3D CAD parts and assemblies, along with 2D drawings, to company standards.
• Conduct packaging studies, tolerance and clearance checks, and define interfaces across kart sub‑systems.
• Produce high‑quality engineering outputs including GD&T, technical notes, material and finish specifications, and identification of key characteristics where required.
• Manage structured CAD and drawing revisions within our 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE PLM system, ensuring data integrity and traceability.

• Contribute to design iteration based on test results, prototype build feedback, and supplier input.
• Participate in root‑cause investigations for issues identified during build, testing, or validation.
• Drive DFM/DFA improvements by reducing part count, simplifying assemblies, and improving serviceability.

• Create and maintain engineering items within 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE / ENOVIA.
• Maintain and update Engineering BOM structures, attributes, and revisions, ensuring alignment with design releases.
• Prepare and support design release packs including 3D models, 2D drawings, BOM updates, and supporting documentation.

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or similar.
• Practical CAD experience (university projects, placement year, internship, or personal engineering projects).
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals including materials, manufacturing processes, fasteners, and tolerance principles.
• Comfortable working with structured engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, and change management processes.
• Strong communication skills — able to ask thoughtful questions, take feedback constructively, and clearly document decisions.

• Experience using Solid Works.
• Exposure to PLM systems (3
  
  DEXPERIENCE / ENOVIA particularly advantageous).
• Familiarity with automotive-style development practices (e.g. DFMEA exposure).
• Hands‑on prototype or workshop experience (vehicle builds, fit checks, test rigs).
• Basic simulation knowledge (FEA fundamentals) or tolerance stack‑up exposure.

• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme with salary sacrifice option
• Life assurance (death in service)
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Childcare support via salary sacrifice
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Free GP service

Smedley Group is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We strive to create an inclusive culture where all team members are respected, empowered, and valued.