Edward Crossley

Mechanical Design Engineer, Williams Racing

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day. 

Currently, I work for the Williams F1 Team in Grove as a Mechanical Design Engineer within the Power Unit Integration team. Our core responsibility is, in simple terms, to connect the power unit to the rest of the car. This includes designing and developing systems such as the cooling circuits, fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, among many others we interact with daily. There’s really no such thing as a “typical” day in this environment. Formula 1 is fast‑paced, constantly evolving, and no two days are the same. One moment I might be focused on a specific design area, and the next I’m reworking a component to solve an issue found trackside or developing parts for upcoming upgrades. A normal day often involves reviewing what I designed the day before and asking: how can this be lighter, easier to manufacture, more efficient? Ultimately, every task is about doing my part to help make the car as fast and reliable as possible.

What were the best things about your course?

For me, the best parts of the course were the modules that directly related to the industry I wanted to work in and aligned with my future career goals. Modules such as Mechanical Design, CFD/FEA, and Mechanics all taught me valuable skills that I now use regularly in my role. Another highlight was the opportunity to meet and work with like‑minded people. I’ve made lifelong friends who have gone on to pursue similar careers. The beauty of those friendships is the ability to bounce ideas off one another and everyone is on the same wavelength, supportive, and driven to help each other. It mirrors the collaborative environment we experience in industry, where teamwork and shared problem‑solving are essential.

How do you feel your degree helped you get a job after graduation?

Earning a First-Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering (BEng) from the University of Birmingham has been extremely valuable. Employers actively look for strong engineering degrees, and achieving a first class is an excellent way to demonstrate capability, commitment, and technical understanding. Studying at a well‑respected red‑brick university also strengthens how the qualification is viewed, adding further credibility when applying for competitive roles.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

Mechanical Design 1 and 2 introduced the fundamentals of CAD, which now form the basis of my day‑to‑day work. The CFD and FEA module was also extremely valuable, as it taught me how to use tools that I regularly rely on when reviewing the performance of components like air‑ducts or water manifolds, ensuring optimal shape, flow, and efficiency. The most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, areas were Mechanics 1 and 2. I’m not naturally academically inclined, so these modules really pushed me. However, they taught me the importance of first principles- forces, stress, strain- which are absolutely essential when designing any component. Having a strong grasp of these fundamentals genuinely accelerates your ability to design effectively and confidently.

What are your top tips for securing a job in the United Kingdom or your home country?

1. Be Different-these days, many candidates hold degrees, so it’s important to have something that makes you stand out. This could be a co-curricular activity, a hobby, a personal project, or anything that shows individuality, passion, and initiative. Employers remember candidates who bring something unique to the table.
2. Gain Experience-experience is one of the biggest differentiators in the job market. Any relevant experience—internships, placements, summer work, part-time roles, or even hands-on projects—will significantly strengthen your application. Often, the candidates who receive job offers are those who can show real-world exposure to the field they want to enter. It can be challenging, but universities like UoB provide plenty of opportunities for engineering students to gain this kind of experience.
3. Be Confident-confidence plays a huge role during interviews and assessment centres. Show the employer why they should hire you: what makes you valuable, how you’ll contribute to their business, and why you’re the right fit. Confidence helps you communicate your skills clearly and leaves a strong impression on hiring managers.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? 

I’ve grown mainly through increasing levels of responsibility. I first joined Williams F1 Team on a placement after my second year at university. During that placement, I worked on a range of smaller projects that contributed to larger programmes led by senior engineers. This gave me a solid foundation and exposure to how the team operates. Since graduating and returning to Williams full‑time, I’ve been thrown in at the deep end. I now take ownership of far more complex and critical projects, which has pushed me to develop quickly as an engineer. The challenges are greater, but so is the responsibility.

Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree? 

Alongside my degree, I was part of the University’s Formula Student team, UBRacing. Through this, I completed additional training and workshops that expanded my technical knowledge, improved my CAD proficiency, and strengthened my project management skills. At Williams, I’ve been fortunate to receive training across a wide range of disciplines, all designed to support a high‑performance culture. 

What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?

Be outgoing, ask questions and be a sponge-absorb as much as possible because you are here to learn.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

If you are unsure about completing a placement don’t be. Its simple-do it, its an opportunity for you to get real life experience and exposure as well an opportunity for you to work out if you actually like the industry you're going into.

What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market? 

My biggest piece of advice is to complete a placement year and get involved with UBRacing. It’s hard work, but the more you put in, the more you get out. I was part of the team for four years and worked my way up to leading departments. Formula Student gives you some of the highest highs at university as well as some of the toughest lows, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, it gives you opportunities, teaches you industry‑relevant skills, and exposes you to real engineering challenges. Nearly everyone working in Formula 1 has been involved in Formula Student at some point, so people in the industry deeply understand and respect what it takes to be successful in it. I was also part of the Engineering Rugby Club and had some incredible fun experiences and built a different awesome friendship group.

Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University, for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so, what impact did they have on you?

I did make use of some, mainly the Careers Network. They gave me contacts to different companies when I was looking for a placement opportunity, as well as notifying me when new placement vacancies became available.

What are your fondest memories of the University and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

One of my proudest achievements was winning the Endurance event at Formula Student UK 2025. After four years of competing, finally running, and winning the event in my final year was an incredible moment. Sharing that experience with my best friend made it even more special. It was the perfect culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and continuous improvement. For anyone unsure about choosing UoB, from the moment you step onto campus, you feel a real sense of achievement. The architecture and atmosphere are inspiring, and you genuinely feel part of something significant. UoB is a highly respected institution, and the opportunities and facilities available to students are exceptional. Having access to such resources and support systems gives you everything you need to push yourself and succeed.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

It was great fun with an incredible night life a short bus journey or train journey away. It was just as I expected, challenging at times but also cracking fun.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

Two of the most valuable extracurricular experiences I had were with UBRacing and Crossley Motorsport. I joined UBRacing in my first year and was immediately hooked. It’s essentially like building a mini Formula 1 car with your mates and then competing against other universities. The hands‑on engineering, teamwork, and competitive environment make it an incredible learning experience. In my final year, I helped establish Crossley Motorsport to give students the chance to gain practical experience in a different area of motorsport—historic racing. Here, we design, build, and race classic cars, competing at iconic events such as Le Mans, Goodwood, and the Silverstone Festival. We’ve also begun the restoration of an Aston Martin DB4, giving students the chance to work on truly unique, heritage‑rich engineering projects. Places are limited and the selection process is competitive, but those who get involved gain outstanding experience. Opportunities like these genuinely set you apart from other candidates when applying for roles in the motorsport and engineering industries. Crossley Motorsport is exclusive to University of Birmingham students, making it an even more distinctive advantage.

Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home.

It was fun and I enjoyed the differentiation of working and living away from home. I highly recommend it.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

My father completed his MBA at the University of Birmingham and spoke very highly of it. The rich Formula Student history paired with it being relatively close to home were all key selling points to. Being a red brick university was the cherry on top. I knew I would get my money's worth and that I would get some incredible opportunities.