Ford Racing Motorsports Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer

Ford • Concord, NC

1d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Ford Racing Dynamics team supports race teams through vehicle dynamics and chassis engineering expertise, race and test car data analysis, race car setup consultation, and simulations. The team operates three Driver-in-the-Loop simulators at the Ford Racing Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, helping teams refine setups and drivers reach the highest potential from their cars.

The engineer will develop race-winning vehicle dynamics simulations, design chassis architectures and systems, and support test and track-side engineering across Ford Racing programs, including Mustang GT3 and GT4, LMDh, Mustang Darkhorse R, W2RC Rally Raid, WRC, off-road, NASCAR Cup, NOAPS, and Craftsman Truck, as well as future high-performance demonstrators and hybridization/electrification projects. Work may also involve race-specific customer vehicle and demonstration vehicle builds, simulation CAE tool development, performance engineering tools, and tire modeling.

The role uses simulation tools and in-depth vehicle dynamics knowledge to help win races and championships and transfer technology between motorsports and production vehicle programs. The engineer is expected to perform and advocate high-quality work and adhere to Ford+ Transformation Behaviors: Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration. The role is hybrid and requires at least four days per week onsite at the Ford Racing Technical Center in Concord, NC. Candidates must be capable of working schedules that may include late evenings, nights, weekends, and travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related engineering degree, or a related field of study.
• At least 2 years of experience in automotive suspension design, vehicle dynamics, or vehicle dynamics simulations.
• Ability to work at least four days per week onsite at the Ford Racing Technical Center in Concord, NC.
• Capability to work hours that may include late evenings, nights, weekends, and travel.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering degree.
• At least 3 years of motorsports vehicle dynamics experience, including simulation, track testing, and interdisciplinary work with other engineering departments.
• At least 1 year of simulation experience.
• Formula SAE experience in suspension and/or vehicle dynamics.
• High motivation and commitment.
• Demonstrated history of Ford Operating System Behaviors.
• Excellent knowledge of suspension/chassis and vehicle dynamics.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills, with a customer- and race-team-first approach.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving products and needs.
• Strong work ethic and ability to adapt to requested schedules.
• Passion to win.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation and Driver-in-the-Loop simulator models to maximize vehicle dynamics performance.
• Develop race cars and trucks using simulation engineering tools.
• Integrate vehicle, tire, aerodynamic, and powertrain models into simulations and simulators.
• Use simulator tools to meet customer and race team needs.
• Run simulator sessions for drivers to develop and test race setups, acclimate drivers, and provide race engineers and crew chiefs with simulated performance data.
• Connect Ford engineering and programs with race team engineers and drivers to maximize on-track performance.
• Leverage and interpret data from race teams, Ford test vehicles, event databases, and simulations to maximize performance.
• Use vehicle dynamics knowledge and data to propose designs and setups for design-of-experiments activities and simulations, leading to optimum configurations.
• Contribute to improvements in simulator and simulation tools.
• Partner with race teams to prepare for simulator sessions.
• Partner with race teams to analyze car and driver performance at races and tests and improve race outcomes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave and new parent ramp-up programs.
• Subsidized back-up child care.
• 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.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

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