Straight after finishing his studies on our MSc Automotive Engineering with Electric Propulsion in 2021, Fox was offered a job with Mercedes. We caught up with him a month later to ask what he does and how Bath helped him achieve his career goals.

Designing test hardware for Mercedes

I work as a Mechanical Engineer Graduate at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. My graduate role involves four rotations over two years across the different engineering departments behind the development of F1 power units and other projects undertaken by Mercedes HPP such as Project One, EQXX & Formula E. I am currently working on the mechanical side of the Test Engineering department. This involves designing the test hardware required to prove out new power unit updates and other development tests.

Developing specialist knowledge

The fundamentals I learnt during my time at Bath directly apply to my role now. I’m involved with turbo testing which I learnt from the turbocharging module I did at Bath. However, one of the biggest benefits is the research skills I developed during my dissertation, which I often use to solve problems in my working environment that have no definite solution.

Not just a technical degree

Aside from the technical knowledge that I learnt, an important outcome from my master’s is the sense of accomplishment it provided. The challenging coursework was a catalyst for improving my ability to problem solve. By overcoming these challenges, I reinforced the belief that I can solve any problem thrown at me, which is a valuable mindset in a workplace.

Another invaluable thing about this course is the good links with industry around the world. The course leaders invite guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience with us. Throughout the course we had presentations by industrial partners, but the most useful industrial information came from the lecturers talking about their own experiences in industry.

Trust in yourself

My dissertation proved challenging as it comprised many aspects that were completely new to me. Climbing this steep learning curve required me to break each task into small steps, and to trust that I would eventually know how to proceed, even if I didn’t at the beginning.

If I could give one piece of advice to all future MSc students that would be to not be afraid to compete against themselves.