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Job Title


HYDRAULICS DESIGN LEAD


Company : Athena Racing


Location : Portsmouth, South East


Created : 2026-03-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Athena Racing are expanding our technical team with the goal of winning the Americas Cup, the oldest international competition still contested in any sport. We are building an agile, creative and collaborative team to compete and win at the pinnacle of the sport of sailing. Our team values have a sharp focus on maximizing performance from our designs, while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.Ready to make your application Please do read through the description at least once before clicking on Apply.Were growing our hydraulics and mechanical systems team in support of this Americas Cup challenge. This is a unique opportunity to lead the design of the high-performance actuation systems that drive the flight and control of our yacht in one of the worlds most technically demanding sporting events.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of complex hydraulic systems, manifolds, and actuators from initial concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings.Manage the full design lifecyclefrom schematic design and component selection to supporting manufacturing, testing, and performance validation.Collaborate closely with external manufacturing partners and suppliers to source specialized components and ensure production meets rigorous quality and lead-time requirements.Collaborate closely with the Controls and Mechatronics teams to architect systems that integrate hydraulic, electrical, and embedded control elements.Provide technical leadership to the hydraulics team, ensuring robust engineering standards and thorough documentation are maintained.Provide hands-on support during build phases, rig testing, systems integration, and on-the-water testing when required.Ensure compliance with AC75 Class Rules and Technical Regulations regarding hydraulic systems.Required Skills/ExperienceDegree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.Significant experience in the design of high-performance hydraulic systems, including rotary and linear actuators, valves, and manifolds.Proficiency in 3D CAD systems (ideally CATIA V6 / 3Dx).Strong understanding of mechatronic integration and servo-hydraulic systems.Proven ability to approach problems creatively and analytically in a fast-paced engineering environment.Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams under high-pressure conditions.Highly motivated, adaptable, and capable of leading projects in a fast-paced engineering environment.Desired Skills/ExperienceExperience working in the Marine, Motorsport, or Aerospace sectors.Demonstrable experience designing and maintaining high-pressure hydraulic systems (e.g., >350 bar) for weight-critical applications.Deep knowledge of surface treatments, metallic coatings, and anodising processes suitable for corrosion resistance and wear in harsh marine environments.Understanding of yacht dynamics and the application of control strategies in real-world sailing conditions.Genuine interest in sailing or high-performance sports, with a passion for contributing to elite-level competition.BenefitsBe part of a world-class Americas Cup team working at the intersection of sport and technology, with the chance to contribute directly to our sporting success and push the limits of human and technological performance.Opportunities for growthwe look to develop you to be part of the future of our team.Competitive package with:25 days annual leave, plus public holidays, per annumCompany Pension SchemePrivate Medical InsuranceLife AssuranceCycle to Work SchemeOtherThis is a full-timerole based in Portsmouth, with additional requirement to travel to other locations where necessary.Hybrid working arrangements can be disucssed. xjdpvnf Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience.