Motorsports Vehicle Testing & Performance Engineer

GM • Concord, NC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

GM Motorsports is seeking an experienced individual-contributor to prepare, execute, and analyze vehicle testing across trackside, simulated, test-rig, bench, and virtual environments. The role translates engineering analysis and test data into actionable direction to improve vehicle performance, initially focusing primarily on NASCAR-type racing programs, with potential support for IMSA/WEC and IndyCar.

The engineer works across vehicle testing, simulation, data analysis, and race-team execution, partnering with the test team crew chief, project manager, GM engineering organizations, mechanics, and partner race teams. The role directly influences race-vehicle performance through trackside testing, simulation, and advanced test-rig environments.

The position is categorized as hybrid, with an expectation to report to a specific location at least three times per week or at another frequency set by the manager. Travel is required for motorsports testing events and is expected to be less than 25%. Relocation benefits are available to candidates who qualify under company policy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of professional motorsports experience with a professional race team working in a vehicle-development environment.
• Demonstrated experience planning, executing, and analyzing vehicle tests or engineering development activities.
• Experience with motorsports data-analysis tools such as Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS, or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of high-performance vehicle, tire, aerodynamic, or vehicle-dynamics modeling techniques.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to turn complex data into clear engineering direction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce concise, evidence-based technical reports and present recommendations to varied audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and make sound engineering decisions with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, mechanics, crew members, project managers, and external partner teams.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule and travel regularly to support motorsports testing events.
• Demonstrated passion for vehicle performance and hands-on, trackside testing.

Nice To Haves

• Race engineering experience in NASCAR or a comparable professional racing series.
• Strong background in vehicle dynamics, race-vehicle setup, or performance development.
• Experience using Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS, or comparable motorsports analysis platforms.
• Experience with driver-in-loop simulators, kinematic rigs, center-of-gravity rigs, or SPMM rigs.
• Experience with Dymola/Modelica-based simulation software or an equivalent simulation environment.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or an equivalent programming language to develop analysis tools or automate engineering workflows.
• Experience supporting simulation correlation, model validation, or test-to-simulation integration activities.
• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering preparation for trackside, simulated, test-rig, bench, and virtual testing activities.
• Partner with the test team crew chief and project manager to define test objectives, develop test plans and test matrices, and coordinate vehicle and test-event readiness.
• Use GM offline simulation tools, driver-in-loop simulation, aerodynamic information, and previous test and race data to define test direction and priorities.
• Coordinate with engineers, mechanics, and partner teams during time-sensitive testing activities.
• Lead vehicle-data analysis using motorsports data-analysis tools and translate test and simulation results into clear conclusions, performance recommendations, and engineering direction.
• Work directly with partner race teams at trackside testing events to provide timely, data-driven feedback that improves performance.
• Drive simulation-correlation activities and evaluate the performance impact of vehicle, setup, or process changes.
• Plan and execute engineering activities involving SPMM, kinematic, and center-of-gravity rigs, as well as bench, driver-in-loop, and simulation environments.
• Collaborate with the GM Vehicle Integration Engineering and Testing team to connect vehicle-level test results with broader development objectives.
• Develop or improve analysis tools and workflows to reduce analysis time, improve data quality, or increase test-team effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve how GM Vehicle Integration Engineering and Testing delivers performance value to partner race teams.
• Deliver clear, concise, data-driven pre-test, event, and post-test reports documenting methods, results, conclusions, and supporting evidence.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to GM personnel, partner teams, and other stakeholders.
• Build trusted working relationships with engineers, mechanics, crew members, project managers, and external partner teams.
• Manage multiple priorities and complete projects to a high standard, on schedule, and in alignment with program resources and priorities.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
• GM provides benefits intended to support employee well-being at work and at home; details are available through its Total Rewards resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level