Formula Student
Tomasz Kalocinski is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate working in the Automotive Division at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP). Tomasz studied Mechanical Engineering with Internal Combustion Engines at Poznan University of Technology in Poland and Advanced Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield University in the UK.
Tell us about your experience as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate at Mercedes AMG HPP
I was incredibly excited to start on the Graduate Scheme last year as the scheme started at the same time as the launch of the Mercedes-AMG Hypercar. For my first rotation I joined the Mechanical Engineering Team and I was involved in the development of the advanced Energy Recovery Systems based on current F1 technology. It was a great opportunity to utilise my CAD skills and design major parts. I also conducted tests and visited suppliers to improve manufacturing processes of our units. In addition to this, I was able to work with FEA software and conduct simulations for development components and modules. This first rotation lasted for 6 months and allowed me to combine mechanical and electrical knowledge, and to apply it into the design of development parts.
For my 2nd rotation, I moved to the Product Validation team, where I currently analyse dyno data and prepare scripts for validation work which helps to achieve the best performance of the power unit.
So far, what have been the highlights for you on the Graduate Scheme?
It was amazing to experience how the team at Mercedes AMG HPP celebrates its every success and emphasises the role each one of us plays to achieve it. During my first week, Mercedes took its 3rd consecutive Constructors Championship in Formula One, followed by Nico Rosberg’s Driver Championship at the end of the 2016 season. It has been a fantastic experience and working with the Triple World Champions has been a great introduction into the competitive world of F1.
How has working at Mercedes AMG HPP lived up to your expectations?
My expectations have been exceeded substantially, especially with the amount of time and dedication that is spent on our development as emerging engineers, and the Personal mentoring that we receive helps to create the ultimate environment for us to grow within the engineering world. Working at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains is a unique opportunity to collaborate with world’s top engineers to deliver our high performing Power Units. I could not imagine a better place to work!
How did taking part in Formula Student help with the start of your career?
Before joining Mercedes AMG HPP, I worked as a leader of Internal Combustion Engines Student Association and co-founder of PUT Motorsport - the first Formula Student team at Poznan University of Technology. Our first car- “Warta” performed very well and successfully completed all of the 3 Formula Student events in UK, Germany and Hungary in 2015. Launching a complex and demanding project like Formula Student gave me a lot of important engineering experience, enhanced my confidence and improved my team working skills.
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What advice would you give to this year’s FS Students?
Formula Student is a demanding project and I know that all of the team members work very hard already. However, I would recommend making sure that all possible preparation is complete before the event, so as little work as possible needs to be done at the track. This might sound obvious but it is sometimes really difficult to achieve, especially for the first year teams which I was a part of in 2015.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself during your entire Formula Student journey. I would think of the event more as an international design project with team mates, rather than a motorsport competition event.
Once again, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains are excited to be partners of this year's Formula Student event.
If you are attending, and would like to find out more about their Graduate or Placement opportunities for 2018, please visit them at Formula Student. Alternatively, to pre-arrange a time please contact Careers@mercedes-amg-hpp.com