CFD Engineer

Toyota Motor • Salisbury, NC

74d

About The Position

TRD is seeking a highly skilled CFD Engineer with hands-on experience in motorsports applications to support the design and development of high-performance race cars. This role requires proficiency in creating complex 3D geometry using CATIA, generating high-quality meshes and simulations in Star CCM+, and delivering meaningful aerodynamic insights through data analysis. You will be an integral part of the aerodynamic development cycle, working closely with design, race engineering, and trackside performance groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of CFD experience in a motorsports, aerospace, or automotive setting (F1, NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, WEC, etc. preferred).
• Experience in CATIA V5/V6 or similar for geometry creation and model cleanup.
• Experience with commercial CFD software (Star-CCM+ preferred), with working knowledge of the CAD-to-solution workflow including meshing, setup, and post-processing.
• Solid understanding of vehicle aerodynamics, with a foundational grasp of fluid dynamics, turbulence modeling, and boundary layer theory.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and evolving requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex data to non-CFD stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with aerodynamic development for race cars (open wheel, sports cars, or stock cars).
• Familiarity with wind tunnel testing, correlation techniques, and track data interpretation.
• Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, or Java for automation and data processing.
• Experience using PLM tools and managing simulation data in an enterprise environment.
• Knowledge of optimization tools (e.g., adjoint, DOE, or genetic algorithms) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models of aerodynamic components and assemblies using CATIA V5/V6.
• Prepare, mesh, and set up CFD simulations in Star CCM+, including steady-state and transient analyses as required.
• Apply best practices for meshing and solver settings to ensure accuracy and efficiency of simulations.
• Analyze CFD results using both Star CCM+ post-processing tools and external data processing scripts (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Evaluate aerodynamic performance metrics including downforce, drag, pressure distributions, flow structures, and cooling performance.
• Provide clear and concise reports and visualizations to support design decisions and development direction.
• Work collaboratively with other engineering groups (aero design, mechanical, trackside, and performance) to interpret results and recommend actionable improvements.
• Maintain documentation of CFD case setup, modeling assumptions, and results for traceability and validation.
• Contribute to validation and correlation efforts using wind tunnel or on-track data.
• Support rapid design iteration and optimization in a fast-paced development environment.

Benefits

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Flexible work options based on business needs.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more.
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees