Formula Student
How were you involved in Formula Student?
I was a member of UGRacing’s powertrain team for my 5 years at University. I designed various parts of the powertrain during this time (Cooling Systems, Exhausts, Camshafts), presented in a load of static events and was tangentially involved in team management acting as an advisor in my final year.
Tell us about your experience on the Student Schemes at Mercedes AMG HPP?
My experience of the student schemes at HPP have been extremely positive as they have grown my skillset and confidence as a young engineer massively. The fact that you are usually given tasks of genuine importance to the team, while working with excellent and experienced engineers every day means it’s an environment where you have the opportunity to gain skills very quickly. The rotations in the schemes also mean that you get to see a wider range of the business so you’re less likely to get bored and means that you have a wider appreciation for both the technical aspects of various parts of the power unit but also how each department within the company must work together to deliver the final product.
What have you learned so far during your time at Mercedes AMG HPP?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned during my time at HPP is the importance of your ability to quickly understand a problem and communicate only the important details concisely in order to more quickly find a solution, people will very rarely have time to read a full thesis. I have generally learned different skills from each of the teams I’ve been able to work in: Product Validation taught me to quickly look at large amounts of data and make confident decisions on PU health/performance based off my understanding of mechanical components; Performance Development really pushed my theoretical knowledge of 1st principle thermodynamics; Product Engineering improved my mechanical understanding, ability to manage workload, and communication skills; and my time in the Concept Team allowed me to be more creative and improve my CFD skills.
What have you enjoyed most from your time at Mercedes AMG HPP?
There have been several highlights during my time on the student schemes: the first time one of my parts went on track, finally solving a specific performance issue after weeks of head scratching, getting trusted to run an engine on your own for the first time, nursing an engine to the end of the long run, and of course winning some world championships. Also, it’s been an environment where I have never felt silly for asking stupid questions, meaning I’ve never had to bluff my way through a conversation.
However, I think what I’ve enjoyed most is the growing sense of autonomy you get as you progress through your roles. Going from waiting to be assigned tasks every week to proactively deciding for yourself where your time is best spent (within reason) has meant that I now feel a sense of ownership in the projects I’ve take part in.
What would you say to anyone looking to apply to Mercedes AMG HPP’s student schemes?
When writing the application be specific about your Formula Student experience, there are now loads of good people who do formula student. Have you done anything that demonstrates an ability to learn for yourself or done something differently to how it was done before? Virtually nobody will come into the student schemes as a fully formed engineer so what you need to demonstrate is potential and enthusiasm to grow.
If you do make it to interview then ask about as many different departments as possible, I came into the placement only wanting to do product engineering and design parts on CAD. However, after I started working in product durability I found that to be as (if not more) enjoyable.
What advice would you give to this year’s Formula Student competitors?
Get as much testing in as possible it’s always the stuff you don’t think about which fails in endurance. Have checklists to be filled in prior to every time running the car and double check all your electrical connectors cannot be pulled loose during driver change.
Once again, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains are excited to be involved in this year's Formula Student event.
If you are attending this year and would like to find out more about their Graduate or Placement opportunities for 2023, please visit the Mercedes Marquee to talk to someone from the team.