Damper Technician - IndyCar

Job Description

The Damper Technician is responsible for the assembly, service, testing, documentation, and quality control of competition dampers. This role supports on‑track performance by ensuring that all dampers meet defined specifications, development targets, and reliability standards prior to event use.

The technician operates under the day‑to‑day technical oversight of the Chief Damper Technician and reports directly to the Lead Damper Engineer, supporting damper assembly, damper development, and continuous improvement initiatives. The technician also works in a small-team environment with other damper technicians and team engineers.

This position is primarily workshop‑based, with travel expectations that may increase based on program needs, development requirements, and team structure.

Responsibilities

Damper Assembly and Documentation

• Assemble dampers to performance and build targets as determined by the Lead Damper Engineer
• Reoutinely handle, transfer, and work in close proximity to damper oils, hydraulic fluids, solvents, and cleaning agents
• Work as a team with the other damper technicians to support efficient and systematic build processes
• Maintain the highest quality of component assembly and maintenance with care and attention to detail
• Support continuous improvement of build documentation and standard operating procedures
• Ensure full traceability of damper configurations, components, and service history
• Wear required PPE. 

Damper Dyno Testing and Analysis

• Execute damper testing using EMA, crank, or hydraulic dynos
• Validate damper performance against requested targets and engineering intent
• Perform basic data analysis and flag deviations, anomalies, or trends
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot damper dyno equipment

Engineering and Development Support

• Work closely with the Lead Damper Engineer to support damper development programs
• Assist with correlation work between dyno results, simulation outputs, and track feedback
• Implement prescribed damper changes and experimental configurations for testing programs
• Support 7Post or rig testing events (onsite or preparation support)

Additional Responsibilities (As Required)

• Assist with mechanical assembly, testing, or development of other vehicle performance-related subcomponents
• Provide track or test support when required by engineering priorities

Qualifications and Education Requirements

The ideal candidate is organized, detail‑oriented, and mechanically strong, with the ability to execute consistently within a high‑performance race team environment.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on assembly skills
• Prior experience building, servicing, and dynoing motorsport dampers
• Ability to work effectively under defined engineering direction and procedures
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Suite)

Preferred Experience

• Basic understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension systems
• Experience with damper dynamometers and test procedures
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Pi Toolbox, Roehrig, and Servotest Pulsar software
• Experience working within a structured race team or high‑level motorsports environment