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 fin