Performance Engineer

Job Title: NASCAR Cup Series Performance Engineer
Location: Welcome, NC (3 Days) / Concord, NC (2 Days)
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary:
Richard Childress Racing is seeking a detail-oriented, data-driven Performance Engineer to support our NASCAR Cup Series program. This key technical role is integral to maximizing on-track performance through the application of simulation tools, data analysis, and engineering fundamentals. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, a team-first attitude, and the ability to thrive under pressure in a high-performance environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support our NASCAR Cup Series race teams in race and test event preparation. Provide Shop Assembly Team with direction on weekly race event builds.
• Develop, refine, and execute new methods for data analysis.
• Prepare documentation and reporting for distribution to key team personnel, including engineering management, crew chiefs, and race engineers, clearly and concisely communicating key learnings.
• Attend and contribute to weekly pre-race preparation and post-race analysis meetings.
• Provide race teams with weekend support, remotely as needed.
• Execute vehicle dynamics/performance studies, using a combination of on-track test data, test-rig/lab data, and simulation tools.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, with firm deadlines.
• Occasional travel to support at-track testing, or race weekend events (up to 25%)
• Utilize software and analytical tools to optimize vehicle performance and develop setup recommendations on a weekly basis.
• Process and interpret results from Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulators to support pre-race setup and performance decisions.
• Collaborate with other engineering staff to develop test plans and analyze data from testing equipment such as kinematics and compliance or 7-post rigs.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to validate and refine car setups and performance strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsports Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency with industry-standard simulation and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Multi-body Sim Tools, MoTeC, Pi Toolbox).
• Basic understanding of vehicle dynamics, tire behavior, and aerodynamics in a motorsports context.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Hands-on mechanical experience, particularly with racecar components, is a plus.
• Ability to remain focused and make informed decisions in high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passion for motorsports and a strong understanding of vehicle performance engineering is strongly preferred.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).