Vehicle Dynamics Test Engineer (Motorsports)

About the role

Ford Performance is seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Dynamics Engineer specializing in Wheel Force Transducer (WFT) testing and tire characterization. This role is critical to our NASCAR program, bridging the gap between physical track testing, laboratory data, and advanced simulation.

Responsibilities

• Travel to 12-14 premier racetracks across North America annually to execute complex WFT and tire tests.
• Lead pre-event calibration to ensure flawless data quality prior to track sessions.
• Set up, manage, and troubleshoot trackside network equipment for real-time data processing and distribution.
• Identify sensor or data anomalies in real-time, executing rapid problem-solving to maintain data integrity during high-pressure test sessions.
• Represent Ford Racing at tire supplier lab testing events.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize custom software, scripts, and processes to streamline testing and data reduction.
• Expand and manage the ongoing development of Ford’s proprietary tire database and data plotter tools.
• Post-process massive track datasets, organize data on internal servers, and distribute highly accurate telemetry to cross-functional partners (Aerodynamics, Tire, and Vehicle Dynamics engineers).
• Run and correlate offline simulation tools with physical at-track data.
• Support Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator sessions specifically targeted toward the WFT car.
• Partner closely with the tire modeling group to drive tire model evolution and parameterization.
• Research and integrate new test techniques, sensor technologies, and data processing methodologies.
• Collaborate with partner racing teams to develop cohesive, common test plans that benefit vehicle dynamics, aero, and competition groups.
• Manage the lifecycle of highly specialized data acquisition equipment, including maintaining logs, quoting new equipment, and coordinating repairs with outside vendors.
• Maintain and organize the WFT testing SharePoint site to ensure seamless knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 1 - 3 Years of experience.
• Proven knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles and associated physical testing methods.
• Strong programming proficiency for data analysis and software development, utilizing tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Python (Proficiency in Visual Studio and C# is highly desired).
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A deep passion for motorsports and an unrelenting commitment to engineering excellence.
• Willingness to travel extensively (domestically and occasionally internationally), including weekends, to support 12-14 test events per year.

Qualifications

• Previous race engineering or track support experience in a top-tier series (NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, WEC, Formula 1) is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with advanced simulation software (e.g., Dymola, CarSim, VI-Grade, Canopy) is a plus.
• Expertise in industry-standard data acquisition (DAQ) software tools such as Motec i2, Bosch WinDarab, or McLaren Atlas is a plus.

Skills

• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and C#.
• Experience with data acquisition and processing tools.
• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles and physical testing methods.
• Ability to develop and maintain custom software and scripts.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with advanced simulation software.
• Experience with industry-standard data acquisition tools.

Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day

Pay

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.

Schedule

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.