Formula SAE Design Judge Requirements

Last Updated: January 24, 2024

Overview

This document establishes guidelines for acceptance as a Design Judge (DJ) at Formula SAE (FSAE) competitions. These guidelines are followed by Design Event Captains when approving new volunteers.

Educational Requirements

All DJs should possess, at minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. Substantial work experience in the automotive, aerospace, motorsports or other relevant industry may substitute for a formal college degree or a degree in a non-engineering field. Such candidates must demonstrate a high level of engineering competence.

Work Experience

Design Judges should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience, post degree. Work experience in any field related to the skills needed for the design, construction and testing of a FSAE car may be considered as meeting this requirement. The minimum work experience requirement may be waived for exceptional DJ candidates. All Design Judges are expected to be accomplished in their field with technical expertise rated above average to exceptional.

Previous FSAE Experience & SAE Membership

Experience as an FSAE competitor is preferred, but not required. If not a previous competitor, newly accepted Design Judges are expected to become familiar with the competition/rules, especially the Design Event. All prospective and newly accepted Design Judges are encouraged to watch the video which explains how the Design Event works.

A Design Judge should not have competed in FSAE during the previous four years (i.e., if you last competed in 2019 you would become eligible in 2024). This requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances. SAE Membership is not required for Design Judges.

Teaching & Mentoring Skills

Design Judges act as mentors, guiding and advising the students. DJs must have excellent communication skills (both speaking and listening) and be capable of fostering an environment conducive to the open exchange of information and ideas. Questions asked by Design Judges should have educational merit/value. DJs should always be open to a wide variety of student approaches or solutions. When giving feedback, DJs should be able to express their likes and dislikes of a design respectfully and with confidence, while also providing constructive suggestions for the next steps, regardless of their evaluation. DJs are expected to professionally interact equally well with a top 10% team, a bottom 10% team and all those in between.

Design Judges should demonstrate engineering expertise, leadership, compassion and understanding when discussing the good and bad aspects of a given design with students. Comments should reflect the engineering skills/concepts needed to excel at FSAE and beyond. Perhaps above all else, DJs need to demonstrate an absolute respect for every student competitor, while giving due regard to the amount of hard work, diligence and personal sacrifice it took to prepare for competition. Design Judges are always expected to act with integrity and impartiality.

SAE Code of Conduct

All Design Judges must read, accept and comply with the SAE Code of Conduct for volunteers. See the bottom of SAE’s volunteer sign-up page.

Becoming a Design Judge

While most Design Judge candidates are recommended by current Design Judges or are past competitors, anyone may put themselves forward as a candidate. All FSAE volunteers register through the SAE Volunteer Portal. From there, DJ candidates are required to interview with one of the Design Event Captains. During this interview, the Design Event Captain assesses the candidate’s technical skills and ability to interact with students. A resume or CV is often requested. Acceptance as a Design Judge is at the discretion of the Design Event Captains.

Once accepted, first year Design Judges are invited to the Design Judge Orientation held prior to competition. Those who are not accepted are usually encouraged to volunteer for other roles at the FSAE event (e.g., Tech Inspector). Additional experience gained while volunteering for FSAE is looked upon favorably when re-applying as a DJ candidate.

Continuing as a Design Judge

Design Judges are continuously peer-reviewed with observations from veteran Design Judges carrying considerable weight. First year DJs are both supported and observed by experienced DJs as they learn the ropes of Design Judging logistics and culture. Any Design Judge who does not reflect the attributes listed in this document should be reported to the Design Event Captains and/or the FSAE Program Lead. After review, a reported DJ may not be invited back as a Design Judge in the following year(s).

Obligations and Expectations*

All Design Judges are expected to:

  • Attend Design Judge Orientation (virtual)
  • Be on-site all day Thursday and Friday during competition (minimum on-site requirement)
  • Read all Design documents for assigned teams (typically 7-8) prior to competition
  • Participate in First Round Judging for all assigned teams on Thursday
  • Participate in the Design Judges Meeting on Thursday evening
  • Provide feedback to each of their assigned First Round teams on Friday & Saturday
  • Work as a team with their fellow First Round DJs as organized by the DJ acting as Queue Lead
  • Be on-time, prepared, and demonstrate the attributes described herein throughout the event
  • Optional: Participation as a DJ during Design Finals on Friday evening

*More information is available during the interview, during Orientation or as questions arise.

Summary

Design Judges reap many benefits, perhaps none as important as knowing they are helping the next generation of engineers grow their skills, hone their craft and launch a career. Your volunteer time is highly valued and appreciated by the students, fellow Design Judges and by SAE. If you think you meet the guidelines and would like to volunteer, please sign-up at www.fsaeonline.com or contact any current Design Judge to be referred to the Design Event Captains for an interview.