Senior Performance Engineer

Senior Performance Engineer

Hendrick Motorsports is currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Performance Engineer. The Senior 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 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

• 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.