Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

General Summary: The senior vehicle dynamics engineer should be well versed in vehicle dynamics and the mechanical systems of a race car. Candidate will converse with peers within vehicle dynamics group as well as support teams in a weekly fashion. Candidate will work with Ford proprietary software on a regular basis, as well as DiL simulator. This engineer will use current SHR data analysis and simulation toolsets (Ford Performance, Ford Simulation Tool, Ford Tire Analyzer) to generate complex data analysis and recommendations for the race teams. The role will require periodic travel to some track testing events as well as any lab testing that is done offsite.

Candidate functions in a closed-loop capacity with the teams to solicit feedback regarding track-based correlation and continued refinement of our simulation tools. Finally, the senior vehicle dynamics engineer may be asked to perform general purpose computer programming tasks to support tool development and data analysis requests. This person should be deadline driven, highly motivated and able to work independently without daily guidance. Excellent written and verbal communication with good interpersonal skills is required. The candidate reports to the Performance Director.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide experienced insight into vehicle dynamics and simulation solutions. Strong competency in the understanding of vehicle dynamics and preferably in a motorsports background to drive performance within Stewart-Haas Racing.
• Review large amounts of data and provide detailed analysis of the results. Candidate needs to be a data driven individual. Proficient in programming tools as well as MoTeC for analyzing data.
• Will support teams attending track testing and help support data analysis as well as correlation to simulation results.
• Participate in Wheel Force Transducer testing events as a Stewart-Haas Racing representative, including planning meetings and data analysis during and after each event. The candidate will provide teams with informative feedback from the testing to improve race weekend performance.
• Good understanding of tire modelling and evaluating tire performance from Wheel Force Transducer testing data.
• Conduct rig testing as needed, such as but not limited to brake dyno, K&C rig, 7 post, CG rig evaluations.
• Play a key role in supporting team DiL test sessions and DiL tool development.
• Support other departments as directed to provide information as well as develop processes.
• Utilize programming skills to assist in tool development and data analytics.

Education and Work Experience:Typically requires a master’s degree (M.S.) in mechanical engineering with research experience in the field of vehicle dynamics. Minimum 3 years of work experience in a directly related field is required without a graduate degree. Knowledge of data analytics is required as well as programming proficiency in a mainstream, engineering-related language(s).

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Candidates understanding of vehicle dynamics should be a resourceful eye on identifying deficiencies in simulation tools to drive improvements. Understanding of tire mechanics and test methods is preferred. Programming skillset is a requirement, as well as previous experience in simulation.

Equipment and Applications:

Computer, Ford Simulation and Analysis toolsets, Pi Toolset, MoTeC, Matlab, MS Office

Programming skills preferred in Python, Matlab, C#, C++, and/or Fortran, Dymola.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Must be deadline driven and highly motivated. Candidate will work well independently without daily guidance. Must be able to handle fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Good interpersonal skills required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.