Jaguar Land Rover teams up with Gorillaz to find next generation of automotive engineering talent.
As magical as the luxury and technology features in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles may seem, it takes actual work to write the code and design the electronics that make them work. With the help of the virtual band Gorillaz, the automaker is looking for professionals that can perform those important jobs in software systems, cyber systems, app development, and graphics performance.
Those who are interested in possibly joining the JLR engineering team can download the Gorillaz App through the iTunes App Store or Google Play. It shows a 360-degree virtual version of the Gorillaz’ garage. According to JLR,
“The Jaguar I-TYPE, Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s all-electric Formula E racecar, appears in the garage. Users can click on a poster of Noodle with the I-TYPE and ‘FanBoost’ which enables them to vote for the @JaguarRacing team drivers to gain a power boost during their next race or to follow the @JaguarRacing Twitter channel.”
Applicants then face two challenges in the Gorillaz garage:
1.) Assembling the Jaguar I-PACE Concept, which will teach participants about the all-electric five-seater’s performance, battery technology, interior dimensions, charging capabilities, and driving range.
2.) Cracking code in an Alternate Reality Game (ARG). A series of code breaking puzzles will test for the attributes of real-world software and engineering specialists, such as curiosity, persistence, lateral thinking, and problem solving skills.
Those who are interested in applying to JLR can still submit a traditional application and send in a resume, but using the Gorillaz App and solving the puzzles will put applicants on the fast track for employment consideration.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
