Head of Engineering

FAT Karting League (FKL) is a fast-growing, disruptive motorsport start-up with operations in the UK and US, and bold ambitions for global expansion. We’re reinventing grassroots motorsport by combining the accessibility of arrive-and-drive karting with the precision, safety, and performance standards of professional racing.

We’re now seeking a Head of Engineering to lead the technical vision and execution behind our current and future generations of FKL karts. This is a unique opportunity for an engineer who can think strategically, act decisively, and isn’t afraid to get hands-on when it counts. You’ll define our engineering roadmap, lead and grow a small but highly capable team, and personally deliver critical systems that set new benchmarks for performance, reliability, and innovation.

This role sits at the heart of our mission. FKL is still in its start-up phase: agile, ambitious, and unafraid to challenge convention. We’re building fast, solving real engineering problems, and creating a platform that will change how people enter and experience motorsport.

We offer a competitive salary which is commensurate with experience. We’re open to discussing expectations early in the process to ensure a good match.

If you’re motivated by innovation, inspired by purpose, and eager to build something that truly moves - in every sense - we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop the FKL engineering team.

• Lead and deliver all aspects of kart design and engineering including setting clear processes and standards for kart servicing , quality, and performance across all vehicles and global karting hubs.

• Plan and manage engineering schedules to meet operational and event timelines.

Technical Oversight

• Lead on engineering specification, design, upgrades, and modifications to optimise performance and reliability.

• Develop and implement consistent engineering processes and documentation.

• Develop reporting methods and analyse technical performance data to identify areas for improvement and innovation

Operational Collaboration

• Work closely with the Operations and Event teams to ensure seamless technical delivery at every race event.

• Coordinate with suppliers and partners for parts, materials, and technical support.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive technical excellence: Identify, develop, and implement new tools, systems, and processes that enhance engineering efficiency, consistency, and quality across all FKL projects.

• Shape the future: Play a leading role in developing current and future generations of FKL karts, setting new standards for performance, safety, and innovation.

• Build capability: Empower and grow the FKL engineering team, championing curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless drive for technical excellence.

• Champion innovation: Encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving, ensuring FKL remains at the forefront of grassroots motorsport engineering.

We’re looking for a leader who pairs deep technical expertise with a genuine passion for motorsport. You’ll thrive in a fast-moving, hands-on environment where ideas turn into prototypes quickly, and every improvement makes a visible difference on track. You’re as comfortable setting the strategic direction as you are getting into the detail; leading from the front, solving problems, and inspiring those around you to raise the bar.

Essential - applicants should have:

• At least five years of relevant engineering experience, ideally with exposure to motorsport or high-performance mechanical systems.

• Strong experience in mechanical engineering, motorsport engineering, or a closely related field.

• Proven experience of successfully managing technical teams.

• Proven track record of successfully managing projects from ideation and concept through to completion. 

• Recent experience of design engineering and ability to use CAD, demonstrating knowledge of the most up to date design processes and best practices.

• Experience in the field of reliability engineering including defining best practice for issue root cause analysis, logging and solutions strategy. 

• A solution orientated attitude and a bias for action.

• A self-starter with strong organisational and communication skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple projects, teams and locations.

• Be motivated by the mission of FKL to change the motorsport industry.

Desirable

• Experience in professional Motorsport environment in either the Technical Office or Trackside Operations areas.

• Exposure to managing distributed engineering operations.

• Interest in electric vehicle systems or innovation in motorsport technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, or a related field.

Personal Qualities

• Calm and decisive under pressure, with the ability to make sound technical and operational decisions in fast-moving situations.

• Deeply passionate about motorsport, technology, and continuous improvement, with a drive to push standards higher.

• Energised by a fast-paced, hands-on environment where no two days - race weekends - are the same.

• Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a dynamic, fast-changing start-up environment.

• Resourceful and pragmatic, able to find effective solutions with limited information or resources.

• Willing to roll up your sleeves, getting involved at every level to make things happen.

• Motivated by building structure, process, and capability from the ground up, turning ambition into execution.