Performance Engineer - IndyCar

Job Description

The Performance Engineer supports IndyCar vehicle performance at race and test events. Working with the Race Engineer and engineering group, this role turns vehicle, driver, timing, simulation, and test data into actionable setup and development recommendations.

Responsibilities

Race & Event Performance

• Support the Race Engineer with event preparation, car setup, final build specification, and session execution across mechanical, aerodynamic, gearing, tire, and systems areas.
• Analyze telemetry, timing, video, driver feedback, and competitor data before, during, and after events to provide clear setup and performance recommendations.
• Support driver performance analysis and coaching using data, video, timing reports, onboard information, and comparative references.
• Prepare run plans, simulation studies, analysis packages, reports, and event documentation.
• Develop and maintain analysis tools, math channels, automated workflows, and software that improve engineering decisions.
• Participate in engineering meetings and event debriefs, document findings, and define follow-up actions.
• Collaborate across race engineering, vehicle dynamics, data/systems, simulation, aerodynamics, dampers, tires, and design.

Simulation, Testing, and Development

• Use offline simulation tools to evaluate setup sensitivities, operating windows, and event-specific configurations.
• Plan, support, analyze, and correlate Driver-in-the-Loop simulator sessions and other performance testing, including 7-post, wind tunnel, and rig testing.
• Correlate simulation and test results with on-track data, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.
• Own assigned development projects from problem definition through implementation and validation.
• Maintain working knowledge of INDYCAR regulations, technical bulletins, team build specifications, and internal engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum three years of experience in race engineering, motorsport performance, vehicle dynamics, simulation, or related field.
• Professional motorsports trackside experience; IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, WEC, Formula 1, or comparable experience preferred.
• Strong practical knowledge of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, race car setup, data acquisition, telemetry analysis, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex data quickly and communicate concise, actionable conclusions under pressure.
• Experience developing analysis tools or automated workflows using MATLAB, Python, VBA, or comparable languages.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering and operations groups.