Ford Racing Performance Engineer

Ford • Allen Park, MI

2d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Racing is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Performance Engineer to support total vehicle optimization across off-road racing programs, primarily T1+ and Stock Trucks in global competition. The role also contributes across Ford Racing platforms within the Performance Engineering Group. The engineer works cross-functionally with vehicle dynamics, chassis, powertrain, aerodynamics, and electrical systems teams to optimize vehicles through integration, setup development, testing, simulation, race strategy, and event support. The position is hybrid and requires at least four days per week onsite in Allen Park, Michigan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in race engineering, performance engineering, off-road motorsports, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, dampers, tire behavior, powertrain integration, test methodology, and race-event strategy.
• Experience with vehicle setup and performance optimization in variable and demanding operating conditions.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis tools such as Bosch WinDarab, MoTeC i2, Atlas, Pi Cosworth, or similar.
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools such as Dymola, VI Grade, CarSim, Canopy, or equivalent.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally for races and scheduled test events.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in W2RC, Dakar, SCORE, Best in the Desert, Baja, NORRA, or other top-tier off-road series.
• Experience supporting T1+, rally raid, desert racing, or production-based Stock Truck programs.
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical projects across cross-functional teams.
• Experience in high-performance team environments with demanding timing and execution requirements.
• Strong understanding of durability, serviceability, and manufacturing considerations in motorsports applications.
• Familiarity with machine learning and AI tools for performance analysis, modeling, process improvement, or race strategy support.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for motorsports and commitment to engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance performance across Ford racing programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to align technical objectives with program goals.
• Own performance engineering activities for T1+ and Stock Truck platforms while supporting other Ford Racing programs as needed.
• Establish structured engineering processes to improve efficiency, repeatability, and competitive performance.
• Lead planning and execution of desert, proving-ground, and laboratory testing.
• Analyze test and race data to identify opportunities in pace, consistency, drivability, reliability, and strategic execution.
• Support race events with setup recommendations, performance analysis, and race strategy, including stage planning, tire pressure and fuel considerations, service planning, and terrain-specific decisions.
• Contribute to performance models and simulation tools to improve decision-making and predict vehicle behavior across terrain and conditions.
• Identify and apply emerging technologies, analytical methods, and engineering practices that enhance race performance.
• Lead pre-event, in-event, and post-event strategy reviews by assessing pace across terrains and operating conditions.
• Provide data-backed recommendations to improve vehicle and system performance.
• Work with Vehicle Dynamics, Powertrain, Aerodynamics, Program teams, race operations, test teams, drivers, and co-drivers to integrate technical solutions and convert feedback into engineering direction and strategy.
• Build relationships across Ford technical teams and contribute to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Travel domestically and internationally to races and scheduled test events, potentially including weekends, extended time away from home, and remote locations.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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