Petronas looking for F1 fluid engineer
PETRONAS, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Petronas Lubricants International (PLI), is calling on all passionate and driven individuals to participate in its global search for a Formula One (F1) trackside fluid engineer.
The successful candidate will provide on-site technical support on the performance of Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions’ products for fourtime FIA Formula One champion, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport.
The criteria include a degree in mechanical, chemical or automotive engineering (or equivalent) with experience in chemistry, physics or related work; at least two years’ working experience; knowledge of analytical techniques and instruments; and, an understanding of engine and gearbox lubrication systems, as well as fuel technologies.
The new trackside fluid engineer will be mentored by incumbents to ultimately lead Petronas’ F1 trackside activities. He or she will be among the technical specialists who make up the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport support team.
PLI managing director and group chief executive officer Guiseppe D’Arrigo said the opportunity to be part of the team working on the sharp-end of fluid technology development for the fastest and most powerful drivetrains in the world is rare, exciting and should not be missed.
“Some might even consider it the coolest job in the world. If you have what it takes, step up and join us as the next Petronas trackside fluid engineer,” he said at a media briefing recently.
Present were PLI chief technology officer Eric Holthusen and Petronas trackside fluid engineer Ahmad Nasri Shafie.
D’Arrigo said since the programme was launched, the first person to hold the post was a Briton, followed by a Venezuelan, and then Nasri, who was the first Malaysian to be recruited through this initiative.
A trackside fluid engineer is tasked with ensuring that the F1 cars are filled with the right fuel and lubricants for race entry qualification and performance.
On race day, the engineers will be working in pairs with 10 other track crew of different roles.
“It is all about speed. The team needs the input very fast pre-race. On race day, work can be very long—like 20 hours. Post-race is again about speed as we need to dismantle everything and send the correct test results before moving to the next race,” said Nasri.
PLI conducts a headhunting initiative for a trackside fluid engineer every two years.
“This programme requires successful candidates to take on that role for two years. The first year as a pioneer, and the second as head. Then, with the experience gained on the F1 circuit, they will be moved to technical and product development,” said D’Arrigo.
“So, it’s time to find another candidate who will take on the responsibility together with Nasri. And, we want to get the best out of the world’s candidates. To date, we have received more than 2,500 applications, and most are from Malaysia.”
PLI relies on the collective knowledge of its tech team, including the trackside crew of MercedesAMG Petronas Motorsport, and F1 is a key ground in developing and proving product concepts that pave the way for future fluid technologies.
“Petronas has been integral to the team’s success and our partnership has played a fundamental role in the four consecutive world championship titles we have won together so far,” said Mercedes-AMG Petronas chief executive officer and team principal Toto Wolff.
Wolff said their technical expertise, when it came to modern F1 power units, had been of great value to the team and they had enjoyed a competitive edge from Petronas’ fuel and lubricants.
“Having experts in fluid engineering in a dedicated trackside fuel lab has given us an advantage as it means we can run many tests required on the track.
“We know that our employees are key to our success and are very excited about PLI’s initiative to scout and nurture new talents to support our trackside team.”
PLI has deployed its engineers to travel with the Mercedes F1 team since their partnership began in 2010.
The engineers work in a compact lab on fluid service activities during F1 test and race events around the world.
They provide real-time analysis for Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions — a customised suite of products and services that includes Petronas Primax fuels, Petronas Syntium lubricants and Petronas Tutela functional fluids — for the Mercedes works team, as well as the MercedesAMG High Performance Powertrain customer teams.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability and drive to quickly learn new skills, have strong communication skills and a positive attitude to respond to the team’s requirements and priorities.
They must be proficient in English and have the motivation and passion to promote Petronas and the Mercedes-AMG F1 team to guests and partners.
The search for the next trackside fluid engineer is open until Oct 7. Interested candidates can visit PLl’s LinkedIn page or submit their application to fluideng2019@pli-petronas.com.
Itis all about speed. The team needs the input very fast pre-race. On race day, work can be very long — like 20 hours.