What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aero Performance Engineer - NASCAR position at Penske Racing South?
Job Description:
The aerodynamic performance engineer is responsible for optimizing NASCAR race vehicles through aerodynamic understanding, correlation, and application. This role spans aerodynamic theory, vehicle performance, simulation tools, and race engineering. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Owning the aerodynamic performance characterization/model used in various downstream tools (simulation, fabrication, inspection, and others)
- Use all tools available to identify optimum car setup parameters: platform, balance, L/D tradeoffs, pitch/ride/roll sensitivity
- Provide clear, concise, accurate, and actionable information in a fast-moving, high pressure environment
- Represent Team Penske in manufacturer-led aerodynamic development programs, ensuring CFD development, track/tunnel testing, and new body designs are aligned with Team Penske priorities
- Interpret reports from CFD development and wind tunnel testing, distill results for delivery to non-technical audiences
- Ensure race teams understand aerodynamic performance implications of car setup decisions
- Understand NASCAR rules and enforcement, as they apply to aerodynamics
- Attendance at track test events is required
- Remote race weekend support is required
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is required; advanced engineering degree is preferred
- Minimum two years of experience in professional motorsports is required
- Strong understanding of race car performance fundamentals; aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, setup process, and race weekend procedures
- Experience with data analysis and performance correlation
- Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, etc)
- Independent, analytical, self-motivated, results-driven attitude, with a strong sense of accountability