Lead Engineer (Race Course Technologies)

SailGP Technologies is the high performance design, engineering and manufacturing arm of SailGP, the global purpose-led sail grand prix championship. The Race Course Technologies (RCT) department delivers the systems that define and control the racecourse, powering SailGP’s precision, broadcast graphics, and global fan experience. We’re looking for a Lead Engineer who thrives in complex, high-pressure environments and can blend field engineering, systems design, and leadership. You’ll oversee the setup, operation, and continuous improvement of all on-water and on-shore systems that define the SailGP racecourse. From GPS positioning, telemetry networks and race marks to data telemetry and communications systems. This is a full time, permanent, hybrid working role with international travel.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities at Events
Technical Leadership: Lead the engineering operations of the Race Course Technologies team on-site and remotely. Be the go-to expert for system setup, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
System Management: Oversee deployment and maintenance of the full RCT technology stack:
● Telemetry systems – LTE, 5G and Starlink,
● Race Mark – Power, Control and Propulsion systems,
● Chase boat fleet NavCom systems – Chart plotters, sensors, radios, and DC electrical systems.
● Race Management – Equipment deployment, configuration, maintenance and support.

Operational Delivery: Ensure all race course technology systems are operational, safe, and accurate during training, racing, and testing days.

Innovation & Improvement: Collaborate with R&D and partner teams to evolve RCT systems, improve reliability, and reduce logistical complexity across the season.

Documentation & Process: Maintain technical documentation, procedures, and schematics. Contribute to standard operating procedures and technical training for junior engineers.

Team Collaboration: Work closely with the LiveLine, Broadcast, Data, and On-Water Operations teams to deliver integrated solutions that perform flawlessly under live racing conditions. This includes supporting Junior RCT engineers with rigging of Riedel equipment on camera boats when appropriate.

Safety & Compliance: Ensure all systems across all SailGP owned support-boats on-the-water, comply with SailGP safety and operational standards, including maritime and radio regulations. Maintenance of emergency bilge-pumps, charting-systems, AIS-system and nav-lights.

Key Responsibilities Between Events
System Maintenance & Refurbishment: Oversee post-event servicing, diagnostics, and repairs of all RCT equipment to ensure full readiness for the next events.

Hardware Modification & Project Preparation: Manage hardware modifications, upgrades, and integration work in preparation for new projects or system enhancements. Coordinate with design and R&D teams to implement changes safely and efficiently.

Testing & Validation: Conduct controlled testing, calibration, and configuration of RCT systems in workshop or field environments to validate software and hardware performance. This may include sea trials of Race marks.

R&D Support: Work closely with internal engineering and partner teams to prototype, integrate, and evaluate new technologies or workflows.

Logistics & Planning: Support container packing, asset tracking, and documentation for global touring. Maintain clear visibility of system status and spares inventory between events.

Continuous Improvement: Review and refine build, deployment, and troubleshooting processes based on field experience. Champion better engineering standards and smarter solutions.
F50 Electrical Fit out Support: Support the Electronics department when extra resources are needed to complete electronics works on F50’s in the SGP Technologies facility.

Requirements

● Strong background in Marine electronics, DC electrical systems and network engineering with hands-on experience in field deployments.

● Proven ability to manage technical operations in live event or broadcast environments.

● Experience with DC systems, LTE systems, IP networking, NMEA2000 marine electronics, or RF communications.

● Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic ability — particularly under time pressure.

● Competence in technical documentation, reading CAD or system schematics, and structured troubleshooting.

● Ability to work autonomously in challenging environments (off shore, in all weather, under tight timelines).

● Comfortable leading small technical teams and coordinating with external partners.

● Maritime qualifications or experience are beneficial but not essential.

About you:
● Calm under pressure and unflappable in live environments.

● Adaptable and solution-focused — able to adjust plans quickly when conditions or priorities change.

● Hands-on, curious, and technically fearless — you love solving problems others walk away from.

● Natural leader who builds trust through competence and communication.

● Pragmatic and innovative — can balance short-term fixes with long-term system design thinking.

● Willing to travel globally and work irregular hours around event schedules.