Automotive Engineering: From student to hypercar innovation at Rimac

We sat down with recent graduate Thomas Perrin, to discuss how his year on the MSc in Automotive Engineering at Cranfield University propelled him from the lecture hall directly into the high-octane world of electric hypercar development at Rimac Technology.

Why Cranfield? Seeking the best in automotive

For French students completing the rigorous Diplôme d’Ingénieur, a double degree offers the final validation. For Thomas, a French national hailing from Lyon and currently residing in Zagreb, Croatia, the choice was clear when looking to specialise in Automotive Engineering.

“To specialise in Automotive Engineering, I looked for the best school in this field that was in partnership with my French school. I specifically applied to Cranfield University because it is the top-ranked school on my list.”

Choosing Cranfield wasn’t just about completing a requirement; it was about seeking out excellence to gain a competitive edge.

Vehicle systems and autonomy

Thomas’s time on the 2024-2025 MSc course proved to be a rewarding educational journey.

“I learned a lot about the engineering strategies used in vehicles and now have a much deeper understanding of the different systems,” he shares. Specific fields like vehicle dynamics, materials, and aerodynamics formed the core of his expertise.

The standout moment was his Individual Research Project (IRP):

“A particular highlight was my IRP, in which I learnt about the application of machine learning to vehicle dynamics. This very specific project required a lot of work in autonomy, which has given me more confidence joining a company.”

Beyond the technical skills, Thomas emphasises the personal side of his experience, noting that “Meeting interesting people was the most important aspect of this year for me.”

From classroom to hypercar control

Today, Thomas is applying his Cranfield knowledge daily as a Chassis Controls Intern at Rimac Technology in Zagreb, Croatia.

“I am currently doing an internship… My current work is about applying in real life the work carried out during my thesis. The environment is stimulating, and I was able to adapt very quickly.”

While Cranfield’s research strength in smart materials and sensors is vast, Thomas found his niche in the software side of the industry. His studies gave him the strong, fundamental knowledge needed to confidently step into this specialised role. As he puts it, “This course taught me all the basics required to feel confident joining a company and working on a specialised subject.”

Advice for future automotive innovators

For prospective students aiming for careers in cutting-edge automotive technology, Thomas offers powerful advice:

1. Master the fundamentals: Strong mathematical and physics knowledge is required.
2. Be driven by curiosity: The best preparation is to be driven by curiosity, and work on some projects in parallel to the studies, always keeping in mind that the learning part matters more than the finished project.
3. Trust your foundation: Select modules that will motivate you to learn. Because of the strong foundation gained from your studies, you will consistently be able to bridge knowledge gaps.

His enriching experience studying in the UK was one of his best academic years. Looking ahead, Thomas simply aspires to be a good engineer in a job he truly loves.

P.S. Fun Fact about Thomas: He was the best cook in his shared house!