Shop Race Simulation Engineer – NASCAR Cup Series

Shop Race Simulation Engineer – NASCAR Cup Series

Location: Welcome, NC Team: Kaulig Racing – NASCAR Cup Series Position Type: Full-Time Travel Required: Minimal (occasional track or testing support as needed)

About Kaulig Racing Kaulig Racing is a championship-caliber organization competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and (starting 2026) the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded by owner Matt Kaulig and led by president Chris Rice, we are committed to growth, innovation, and giving our people the tools and support to compete at the highest level. We value hard work, collaboration, and a winning culture while maintaining a family-oriented environment.

Role Overview The Shop Race Simulation Engineer is an entry-level position ideal for a motivated engineer looking to launch a career in professional motorsports simulation. This shop-based role focuses on supporting the development, validation, and correlation of high-fidelity vehicle simulation models, with particular emphasis on tire modeling and aerodynamic modeling. You will work closely with senior simulation engineers, race engineers, and the Driver-in-the-Loop team to help ensure our simulations accurately represent real-world car behavior and contribute to on-track performance improvements.

Candidates with Formula SAE / Formula Student experience are strongly preferred, as the hands-on vehicle dynamics, modeling, testing, and team-based problem-solving skills gained in FSAE align closely with the demands of this role. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented recent graduate or early-career professional with relevant project experience to gain deep technical ownership in a growing NASCAR organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of high-fidelity lap-time simulation models using vehicle measurement data (3D scans, ROMER arm files, kinematic data, aero maps, and tire testing results).
• Assist with the creation and correlation of tire models, incorporating tire data, wear characteristics, temperature sensitivity, and track-specific performance.
• Contribute to aero modeling efforts by integrating wind tunnel, CFD, and on-track data into the full-vehicle simulation environment.
• Help build and validate subsystem models (suspension, chassis, etc.) and integrate them into complete vehicle assemblies.
• Perform model correlation studies using track data and simulation outputs; document findings and support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Driver-in-the-Loop team to prepare vehicle models for sessions and incorporate feedback into model updates.
• Develop and maintain scripts and tools to streamline data processing, model updates, and basic analysis workflows.
• Produce clear simulation reports, sensitivity studies, and supporting documentation for race engineering staff.
• Learn and apply best practices in vehicle dynamics, simulation techniques, and data analysis under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Provide occasional on-site support during testing sessions to help validate simulation models.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline (Master’s degree a plus).
• 0–3 years of professional motorsports simulation or vehicle dynamics experience. Formula SAE / Formula Student experience is strongly preferred (significant involvement in vehicle dynamics, tire modeling, aero, suspension design, data analysis, or simulation projects is highly valued).
• Solid understanding of lap-time simulation principles and vehicle dynamics fundamentals.
• Familiarity with simulation software tools (experience with MoTeC, rFpro, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar is highly desirable).
• Basic experience or strong coursework in tire modeling, aerodynamic modeling, data analysis, or multi-body dynamics.
• Proficiency with data analysis and scripting tools (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a passion for continuous learning in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team while taking initiative on assigned tasks.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours during peak development periods and occasional travel for testing or correlation events.
• Must live in or be willing to relocate to the greater Charlotte / Winston-Salem, NC area.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge simulation tools in a professional NASCAR Cup Series environment
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and a clear path for technical growth and career advancement
• Collaborative, high-energy, family-oriented team environment in our expanding organization

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Shop Race Simulation Engineer – Cup Series Application.”

Kaulig Racing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.