Job Description
The Performance Engineer directly contributes to the performance of our race cars by working closely with the race engineers, engineering staff, and crew chiefs, while also working independently to identify, test, organize, analyze, validate, and communicate areas of improvement and ways in which these improvements can be realized. Using data, research, internal and external resources, as well as other staff, the performance engineer role will develop items and help to understand and optimize configurations that will aid in the performance of the race car. The qualified person will be organized, self-motivated, and able to work with minimum supervision and under extreme pressure to make quick, calculated decisions. A strong interpersonal and communication skillset is required, along with an exceptional team mentality. Performance Engineers are encouraged to challenge established thinking and share their ideas to create an environment where everyone can contribute to our shared success.
This position requires occasional weekday and weekend travel for testing and race events. During race weekends, Performance Engineers will support track activities remotely from our Mooresville, NC shop.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Assist race teams in setup development for each event
- Simulation support & analysis of NexGen setup parameters
- Interpret tire models & deliver tire condition recommendations
- Driver In Loop (DIL) testing & analysis
- Optimize suspension systems during 7-Post testing
- Conduct on track testing, data analysis, & performance reporting
- Collaborate with Performance Engineers & Race Engineers to develop & refine engineering tools
- Provide live race support — monitor timing & scoring, track performance trends, and communicate clear, actionable observations to race teams.
- Develop, standardize, and maintain engineering reports and performance documentation
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, or related discipline)
- Minimum 3 years of motorsports experience
- Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, high-performance vehicle physics, and applied engineering mathematics
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines with minimal errors
- Strong levels of IT skills, including MS Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Experience with data analysis software (MoTeC/PiToolbox/Atlas)
- Familiarity with NASCAR Next Gen platforms, regulations, and operational procedures is an advantage
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline
- Minimum 3 years of motorsports experience
- Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, high-performance vehicle physics, and applied engineering mathematics
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with minimal errors
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Experience with data analysis software such as MoTeC, PiToolbox, or Atlas
- Familiarity with NASCAR Next Gen platforms, regulations, and operational procedures
What We Do
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 600 major race wins, over 690 pole positions and 48 National Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. The team has also earned 20 Indianapolis 500 victories in its storied history. Team Penske was also recognized by the Sports Business Journal as a finalist for the publication’s prestigious annual Professional Sports Team of the Year award. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com. #sports #motorsports #sponsorship #automotive
