Q&A: James Dornor, systems engineer and CEO of Driven By Us

Why did you become interested in science and engineering?

I was born prematurely at 24 weeks, with a 50/50 chance of survival. I think from very early on, I knew I was here for a reason – to help and support others, in the same way I’ve been supported since birth. That sense of purpose has stayed with me throughout my life.

Alongside that, I’ve always been a curious person. As a kid I was dismantling Lego and Meccano sets just to understand how things worked. That curiosity naturally grew into a love for cars: analysing faults, thinking about improvements, and understanding performance rather than just watching races. Engineering gave me a way to combine that curiosity with problem-solving and purpose, and it quickly became clear that this was the path for me.

How did you get to where you are now?

My journey has been shaped as much by people as by opportunities. I was very fortunate to have my brother-in-law, my sister’s husband, who truly believed in my ability and helped guide and shape my love for engineering. Having someone who could see potential in me, and tell me that I could one day work in the industry, was absolutely key, especially after my father passed away when I was six years old.

From there, I carried that belief forward. I studied automotive engineering at Coventry University, took on placements and roles that helped me build experience, and made sure I stayed open to opportunities even when they weren’t a direct or obvious route to my goals. I’ve always said that life happens, and you don’t always know what you do or don’t have until someone else points it out. From that point on, you carry on with determination, supported by those around you, and keep believing in yourself.

My journey wasn’t a straight line. After my degree, where hands-on group projects taught me practical skills and teamwork, I started with an industrial placement at BMW Mini Oxford in 2009 to 2010. From there I took every opportunity I could, joining McLaren Automotive, then moving into motorsport with McLaren GT in 2012, before breaking into Formula One with Haas (2017) before taking the leap back to McLaren Racing (2018) and later working at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 (2020 to 2023). Along the way I faced rejections and had to take alternative routes, but perseverance and being open to opportunities helped me build a diverse and resilient career.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

It’s hard to pick just one, but founding Driven By Us has been incredibly meaningful to me. Creating a community and organisation that supports under-represented groups in motorsport and automotive engineering, while giving young people access to STEM opportunities, has been hugely rewarding.

2025 has been a standout year for us, reflecting how far the organisation has come and the significance of our impact. Driven By Us has earned recognition at the highest levels, including an invitation to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in celebration of our voluntary work and contribution to STEM education, engineering and young people, and participation in No.10 celebrations for Black History Month, showcasing the work we do to support communities that often lack access or opportunity.

Previously, receiving the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award in 2023 before the British GP in 2023 was a defining moment, validating the importance of what we are building and reinforcing our mission to create lasting change.

What is your favourite thing about being an engineer?

What I love most is solving problems and making things work better, whether that’s improving a car system’s performance or helping a young person see their potential in engineering. Engineering is fundamentally about analysing challenges and turning ideas into reality, and that blend of creativity and technical precision keeps every day exciting.

I’m also fortunate to have been selected as an Engineering Champion by the Royal Academy of Engineering for the This Is Engineering campaign (2025, Cohort 2). Being part of this initiative allows me to navigate my own engineering journey while using positive social media storytelling to inspire the next generation, particularly those who may not traditionally see themselves represented in the field.

What does a typical day involve for you?

No two days are exactly the same, but typically I spend time working on systems engineering tasks as I primarily work at Leonardo as a Principal Systems Engineer. I’m responsible for integrating hardware and software for advanced surveillance radar technology that is used by search and rescue teams to rescue people at sea, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, reviewing data, and planning technical solutions. On top of that, through Driven By Us and my outreach work, I also spend time mentoring, speaking with young people, and organising and delivering programmes that help broaden access to engineering. It’s very varied, from technical problem solving to community engagement, project management and being a visible role model for the current and next generation

What would be your advice to young people looking to pursue a career in engineering?

Believe in yourself and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Don’t be put off if your path isn’t perfectly linear, sometimes the opportunities that take you sideways or even backwards are the ones that build resilience and skill. Find mentors, stay curious, and be open to learning through doing, that combination will take you far. And importantly, remember that engineering thrives on diversity of thought and experience: everyone has something valuable to contribute.

What’s next for you?

I’m focused on continuing to grow Driven By Us and extend its impact, especially in reaching young people who might not otherwise see themselves in engineering or motorsport. Professionally, I’m also excited about pushing the boundaries of systems engineering and working on projects that bring innovation and inclusivity to the forefront. Ultimately, I want to help shape an industry and community that’s more accessible, diverse, and forward-thinking for the current and next generation.