Senior Racing Performance Engineer

Hendrick Motorsports Location: 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 Hendrick Motorsports is currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Racing Performance Engineer. The Senior Racing Performance Engineer is a key leadership role responsible for uncovering and delivering competitive performance gains across team cars on a weekly basis. This individual will serve as a senior race engineer, applying advanced vehicle dynamics expertise, simulation validation, and cutting-edge engineering methodologies to ensure that performance insights are implemented effectively. The Senior Racing Performance Engineer will also play a pivotal role in mentoring younger race engineers, leading Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) testing, supporting technical partners, and ensuring highly correlated simulation models that drive future competitive advantage. This position requires a highly motivated, detail-oriented engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure racing environment where rapid iteration and innovation are crucial. Primary Responsibilities: Performance Development • Lead weekly efforts to identify and deliver measurable performance improvements for team cars. • Push the envelope of current vehicle dynamics methods, simulation techniques, and predictive modeling. • Serve as subject matter expert on simulation tools, DOE (Design of Experiments), and LTS (Lap Time Simulation) processes. • Drive the validation of simulation models through correlation with track, 7-post, and aerodynamic data. Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) & Tire Development • Plan and execute DiL sessions, curating setups and philosophies to guide testing. • Lead tire tuning, refinement, and correlation activities to optimize tire performance. • Translate DiL insights into actionable recommendations for both race preparation and future development. Technical Partnerships & Collaboration • Act as a liaison to technical partners, ensuring effective exchange of data, car build recommendations, and setup optimization strategies. • Contribute to global performance initiatives, sharing insights that strengthen competitive advantage across the broader technical group. • Partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to align simulation, development, and trackside execution. Trackside Support • Provide senior-level engineering support during test events. • Guide tuning and setup adjustments based on telemetry, simulation results, and driver feedback. • Troubleshoot performance issues in real time and deliver effective solutions under competitive pressure. • Partner with drivers, race engineers, and crew chiefs to implement improvements that maximize on-track performance. Mentorship & Leadership • Train, guide, and mentor younger race engineers to accelerate their development and contribution to team objectives. • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration across the engineering group. Data Science & Analysis • Apply strong data science and analytics skills to distill actionable insights from large, complex datasets. • Provide structured, well-supported recommendations backed by quantitative analysis. • Ensure organization and clarity in all reporting and communication of technical findings. Qualifications and Skills: Experience: • 7+ years of experience in motorsports engineering with emphasis on vehicle dynamics and performance optimization. • 5+ years of experience of at track engineering support in a premier racing series – preferably Nascar Cup Series Level Competition Technical Skills: • Proven experience with simulation validation and correlation (track, rig, aero). • Expertise with simulation and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, Pi Toolbox, Motec, etc.). • Strong foundation in tire modeling adjustments, setup development, and system optimization. • Demonstrates success in leading DiL or Test sessions and integrating results into competitive performance. Core Competencies: • Accountability – accepts responsibility and accounts for actions. • Accuracy – performs work accurately and thoroughly. • Analytical Skills – applies critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems. • Problem Solving – proactively finds solutions to work-related issues. • Decision Making – makes critical decisions following company procedures. • Deductive Reasoning – applies logical or scientific principles to practical problems. • Detail-Oriented – pays attention to the minute details of a project or task. • Organized – demonstrates systematic task and project management skills. • Adaptability – effectively responds to change in the workplace. • Safety Awareness – identifies and corrects conditions affecting safety. Communication Skills: • Verbal Communication – communicates effectively with others verbally. • Written Communication – clearly and concisely articulates ideas in writing. • Coordination – adjusts actions in relation to others’ activities. Leadership and Interpersonal Abilities: • Strong leadership and organizational abilities. • Effective collaboration with teams to achieve common goals. • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. Additional Requirements: • Passion for motorsports and a deep understanding of vehicle performance engineering. • Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Hendrick is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf .

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in motorsports engineering with emphasis on vehicle dynamics and performance optimization

• 5+ years of experience of at track engineering support in a premier racing series – preferably Nascar Cup Series Level Competition

• Proven experience with simulation validation and correlation (track, rig, aero)

• Expertise with simulation and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, Pi Toolbox, Motec, etc.)

• Strong foundation in tire modeling adjustments, setup development, and system optimization

• Accountability – accepts responsibility and accounts for actions

• Accuracy – performs work accurately and thoroughly

• Analytical Skills – applies critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems

• Problem Solving – proactively finds solutions to work-related issues

• Deductive Reasoning – applies logical or scientific principles to practical problems

• Detail-Oriented – pays attention to the minute details of a project or task

• Organized – demonstrates systematic task and project management skills

• Safety Awareness – identifies and corrects conditions affecting safety

• Verbal Communication – communicates effectively with others verbally

• Written Communication – clearly and concisely articulates ideas in writing

• Coordination – adjusts actions in relation to others’ activities

• Strong leadership and organizational abilities

• Effective collaboration with teams to achieve common goals

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills

• Passion for motorsports and a deep understanding of vehicle performance engineering

• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• This individual will serve as a senior race engineer, applying advanced vehicle dynamics expertise, simulation validation, and cutting-edge engineering methodologies to ensure that performance insights are implemented effectively

• This position requires a highly motivated, detail-oriented engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure racing environment where rapid iteration and innovation are crucial

• Performance Development

• Lead weekly efforts to identify and deliver measurable performance improvements for team cars

• Push the envelope of current vehicle dynamics methods, simulation techniques, and predictive modeling

• Serve as subject matter expert on simulation tools, DOE (Design of Experiments), and LTS (Lap Time Simulation) processes

• Drive the validation of simulation models through correlation with track, 7-post, and aerodynamic data

• Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) & Tire Development

• Plan and execute DiL sessions, curating setups and philosophies to guide testing

• Lead tire tuning, refinement, and correlation activities to optimize tire performance

• Translate DiL insights into actionable recommendations for both race preparation and future development

• Technical Partnerships & Collaboration

• Act as a liaison to technical partners, ensuring effective exchange of data, car build recommendations, and setup optimization strategies

• Contribute to global performance initiatives, sharing insights that strengthen competitive advantage across the broader technical group

• Partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to align simulation, development, and trackside execution

• Trackside Support

• Provide senior-level engineering support during test events

• Guide tuning and setup adjustments based on telemetry, simulation results, and driver feedback

• Troubleshoot performance issues in real time and deliver effective solutions under competitive pressure

• Partner with drivers, race engineers, and crew chiefs to implement improvements that maximize on-track performance

• Train, guide, and mentor younger race engineers to accelerate their development and contribution to team objectives

• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration across the engineering group

• Data Science & Analysis

• Apply strong data science and analytics skills to distill actionable insights from large, complex datasets

• Provide structured, well-supported recommendations backed by quantitative analysis

• Ensure organization and clarity in all reporting and communication of technical findings

• Demonstrates success in leading DiL or Test sessions and integrating results into competitive performance

• Decision Making – makes critical decisions following company procedures

• Adaptability – effectively responds to change in the workplace