Motorsports Performance Engineer - Entry Level

About the role

Pratt Miller is seeking a Performance Engineer to join its Competition Engineering Department, contributing to an IMSA WeatherTech Championship program. This in-person role is based in Michigan and requires travel in support of race and test events.

Responsibilities

• Event-Related Preparation and Execution
  • Propose and collaborate with the engineering team to establish event-related hardware, process, or vehicle preparation objectives.
  • Improve event-specific performance through data analysis, vehicle simulation, historical information, and other tools.
  • Develop, manage, and execute project-related work, preparation, and documentation for vehicle performance and race strategy.
  • Track and communicate updates and status.
  • Participate in and organize meetings to review objectives and progress.
• Event-Specific Performance Objectives
  • Take direction from senior race engineers and provide supporting feedback.
  • Process and distribute vehicle data and analysis.
  • Manage, operate, and analyze results from software toolchains for performance and race strategy execution.
  • Manage communication and provide feedback to trackside and remote support resources.
• Vehicle and Process Development
  • Identify and contribute to vehicle development initiatives, including vehicle setup, performance, hardware integration, and subsystem development.
  • Provide in-person support for offsite testing.
  • Develop tools and processes to aid in vehicle and performance improvements.
• Simulation Support
  • Correlate baseline vehicle models and generate specific event performance analysis and sensitivity data.
  • Provide in-person support for offsite testing.
• Program Reporting and Documentation
  • Maintain and develop reporting documentation and processes for event and engineering-level projects.
• Team Member Interactions
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for performance improvement and execution.
  • Interact with internal and external groups to execute duties, including meetings and project-related travel.
• Additional Duties
  • Support Pratt Miller initiatives, marketing events, and general development as needed.
  • Provide feedback on product needs and processes.
  • Support the Program Management Office on process developments and improvements.

Requirements

• BS in engineering or other advanced technical background.
• 5 years of experience in motorsports.

Skills

• Essential Knowledge and Skills
  • Self-motivated with the ability to determine goals and deliverables.
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, and tires.
  • Ability to review experimental and simulation results to support decision-making.
  • Familiarity with vehicle simulation and modeling.
  • Strong communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to function in high-pressure environments under time constraints.
• Desired Specialized Knowledge and Skills
  • Familiarity with data acquisition systems (e.g., PI Toolbox, PI Workshop, Bosch WinDarab, Bosch RaceCon, Marelli Wintax).
  • Experience with data review and processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Excel, Python).

Schedule

• Stress may occur periodically, with long hours required at times.
• Travel is required, ranging from 40 to 80 days per year, depending on support needs.
• Work environment varies between group and individual assignments.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $64,500.00 - $103,500.00. Individual pay is determined by experience, education, skills, and equity among team members in similar roles.

Benefits

Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, Pratt Miller prioritizes a people-first culture and provides opportunities for team member growth and success. Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.