Who are Sheffield Eco Motorsport?

We are a relatively new team established in 2015 with the aim to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and iLumen European Solar Challenge. The team is founded and led solely by Sheffield University students from a range of subjects and backgrounds. Our goal is to engineer an electric vehicle of the future and help create engineering advancements that will last a lifetime.

What is Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and iLumen European Solar Challenge?

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the iLumen European Solar Challenge, prestigious events held in Australia and Belgium every two years, push the limits of solar-powered vehicle technology with 24-hour endurance races. These competitions are a true test of innovation, engineering, and sustainability. Our ultimate goal is to enter SEM-03 into the 2026 iLumen European Solar Challenge, where we aim to showcase the capabilities of our team.

What is a technical sub-team?

Join the technical team and embark on an exciting process of designing, building, and testing the next-generation car that will (hopefully) take the competition by storm. As a valued member of our team, you'll play a crucial role in bringing this cutting-edge vehicle to life.

Our technical team is divided into four specialised sub-teams, each with its unique focus: Body and Chassis, Steering and Brakes, Powertrain, and Control and Electronics. By joining one of these sub-teams, you'll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you've acquired throughout your course while also developing a specialised skill set tailored to your chosen area. Whether it's mastering CAD software, gaining hands-on manufacturing experience, or participating in comprehensive design reviews, you'll acquire invaluable expertise that sets you apart.

As a member of the practical team, you will also have the opportunity of joining the logistics subteam in a member role to further enhance your skills and CV in roles that your course won’t be able to provide. 

What is an non-technical sub-team?

If you don’t study engineering or computer science, we have many opportunities for you on our team! As a part of our logistics sub-team, you can join our marketing or finance teams and help bring the team to new heights! As a part of our marketing team, you'll play a pivotal role in promoting our team and our accomplishments. Alternatively, if you join our finance team, you'll have an incredible opportunity to expand your professional network by engaging with potential sponsors and overseeing our team's budget.

Is this a paid opportunity?

No. We are a student-lead team working together to design a competitive electric vehicle. By joining the team, you will gain skills and experience beyond your course in preparation for any future industry you work in.

What will joining the team be like for me as a new member?

We have weekly full team meetings every Monday night where everything you need to know for the week will be provided. Our first full team meeting after recruitment will be dedicated to integrating new members, explaining how the team has changed from the previous academic year and providing all our members, old and new, with all the information they’ll need for the upcoming year.

If you are new to motorsport then don’t worry. Your sub-team lead will be able to answer any questions about what you are working on within the car, along with our technical directors and team principal. Once you get to know the sub-teams more, you’ll have the opportunity to switch at the end of the year if your preference changes as you gain experience.

Whether you’re a first-year student or halfway through your degree, our team is happy to welcome all. We are looking for a willingness to learn new skills and for you to have a strong commitment to the team and any desirable skills you have learned within or outside of your course.

What software do you use?

For CAD, we use Autodesk Fusion 360 which students will be able to access for free once they start at university. For FEA and CFD, we welcome any knowledge you have on other programs, but primarily use Ansys.

I’ve submitted my application, what now?

After you’ve submitted the initial form, if successful you will be sent a link to an online quiz to complete. After this you maybe invited to interview and complete a pre interview task. IF you reach these stages you will receive an email with more details.

What will my interview be like?

You will be emailed a task to complete ahead of your interview with your invite that you should complete/get as far through as you can, depending on what is stated in your instructions.

During your interview, you will be asked some questions about your application to allow us to get to know you better before we discuss your pre-interview task. In addition, depending on your sub-team/s, you may be also asked to complete an additional technical task during the interview to give you the opportunity to showcase your skills and knowledge. Alternatively, if you haven’t applied to a practical sub-team you may instead be asked to put together a portfolio of your work to better present your skills.

All of the above will be included in your interview invite with more specific information depending on which sub-team/s you have applied for.