Race Engineer - Development

Race Engineer
- Performance Development

Hendrick Motorsports is currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Race Engineer
- Performance Development.

The Race Engineer – Performance Development is a high level technical leadership role responsible for independently identifying, developing, and delivering competitive performance advantages for Hendrick Motorsports race teams on a continual basis.

This role goes beyond traditional setup refinement. The Race Engineer – Performance Dev is expected to define new paths to performance, leveraging advanced simulation, Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL), Design of Experiments (DOE), Lap Time Simulation (LTS), software development, AI-driven analytics, and unconventional methodologies to uncover gains others are not pursuing.

This individual must be highly self-motivated, capable of setting technical direction, executing complex test programs, building tools as needed, and leading small engineering groups through rigorous performance investigations. The role blends theoretical vehicle dynamics, hands-on mechanical work, mechatronics, and mentorship, and is critical to expanding the organization's long-term competitive edge.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead independent efforts to identify and deliver measurable performance gains for race teams on a recurring basis.
• Explore non-traditional and unconventional setup methodologies, vehicle behaviors, and testing strategies to pursue optimal performance.
• Apply advanced vehicle dynamics understanding across simulation, rig testing, and on-track environments.
• Drive correlation between simulation, DiL, 7-Post, and track data to ensure findings translate into real-world gains.
• Define technical problems worth solving - not just respond to existing requests.

Simulation, Software, & AI Tool Development

• Develop and maintain custom software tools, scripts, and workflows to accelerate performance discovery.
• Utilize AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to extract insight from large and complex datasets.
• Apply DOE, LTS, and simulation techniques in creative and forward-looking ways.
• Continuously push the boundaries of how simulation and data analytics are used within race engineering.

Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) Leadership

• Design, construct, and execute DiL test sessions, including setup definition, test plans, and optimization strategies.
• Lead groups of engineers during DiL testing, providing technical direction and real-time decision making.
• Translate DiL outcomes into actionable setup philosophies, development direction, and race-ready recommendations.
• Ensure DiL and Simulation activities are tightly correlated to track behavior and competitive objectives.

7-Post Rig & Physical Testing

• Collaborate closely with 7-Post engineers to define test plans, DOE studies, and performance investigations.
• Actively participate in 7-Post operations, including mechanical changeover of the test car when required.
• Support rig testing with a strong understanding of suspension systems, damping, tires, and structural interactions.
• Apply findings from rig testing to simulation and on-track performance.

Mechatronics & Experimental Methods

• Apply mechatronics principles, sensors, and data acquisition systems to solve complex performance problems.
• Conceptualize and help develop actuation methods or loading techniques to test components, systems, or full vehicles.
• Direct small groups or individuals in experimental studies involving instrumentation and custom test setups.
• Support both shop-based and track-based experimental testing programs.

Trackside & Shop Support

• Provide high-level engineering support during select tests and race events, on-site or remote.
• Assist with race car preparation, troubleshooting, and performance validation when needed.
• Work effectively under pressure to deliver clear, actionable technical guidance.

Mentorship & Technical Leadership

• Serve as a mentor to younger engineers, developing their technical skills, engineering judgment, and professional habits.
• Help shape engineers into highly effective race engineers through guidance, feedback, and example.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous…