Performance Engineer

Hendrick Motorsports Location: 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 Hendrick Motorsports, a leading NASCAR Motorsports operation, is currently seeking a Performance Engineer. This is a key technical role responsible for optimizing vehicle performance through data analysis, simulation, and testing. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic, an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics, and a willingness to do what it takes to achieve team goals in a fast-paced motorsport environment. Primary Responsibilities: Data Analysis and Simulation • Use advanced analytics tools to process and interpret test results, providing actionable insights for performance optimization. • Develop and deploy custom software or scripts to enhance testing and performance evaluation. • Plan, execute, and analyze Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulations and ensure alignment with track performance. Testing and Vehicle Development • Develop test plans and analyze data from testing equipment, including kinematic & compliance rigs, 7-post rigs, and push-up rigs. • Collaborate with testing teams to ensure simulation results correlate with on-track performance. • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance testing and development efficiency. Trackside Support • Provide real-time support during track events, including tuning and setup adjustments based on telemetry and driver feedback. • Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during testing and competition. • Work closely with drivers, race engineers, and crew chiefs to implement performance improvements. Collaboration and Communication • Partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to achieve performance objectives. • Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization. • Prepare and present regular performance reports to engineering and race teams. Tire and System Optimization • Analyze and interpret tire data to inform setup changes and improve performance. Qualifications and Skills: Experience: • Experience in data analytics and programming for performance evaluation. Technical Skills: • Strong background in vehicle dynamics, simulation, and ride development. • Familiarity with data analysis tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar). • Technical aptitude – ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information. 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

• This position requires a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic, an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics, and a willingness to do what it takes to achieve team goals in a fast-paced motorsport environment

• Experience in data analytics and programming for performance evaluation

• Strong background in vehicle dynamics, simulation, and ride development

• Familiarity with data analysis tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar)

• Technical aptitude – ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information

• Accuracy – performs work accurately and thoroughly

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

• 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 is a key technical role responsible for optimizing vehicle performance through data analysis, simulation, and testing

• Data Analysis and Simulation

• Use advanced analytics tools to process and interpret test results, providing actionable insights for performance optimization

• Develop and deploy custom software or scripts to enhance testing and performance evaluation

• Plan, execute, and analyze Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulations and ensure alignment with track performance

• Testing and Vehicle Development

• Develop test plans and analyze data from testing equipment, including kinematic & compliance rigs, 7-post rigs, and push-up rigs

• Collaborate with testing teams to ensure simulation results correlate with on-track performance

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance testing and development efficiency

• Trackside Support

• Provide real-time support during track events, including tuning and setup adjustments based on telemetry and driver feedback

• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during testing and competition

• Work closely with drivers, race engineers, and crew chiefs to implement performance improvements

• Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to achieve performance objectives

• Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization

• Prepare and present regular performance reports to engineering and race teams

• Tire and System Optimization

• Analyze and interpret tire data to inform setup changes and improve performance

• Accountability – accepts responsibility and accounts for actions

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

• Decision Making – makes critical decisions following company procedures

• Adaptability – effectively responds to change in the workplace