Description
Ford Performance is seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Dynamics Engineer specializing in Wheel Force Transducer (WFT) testing and tire characterization. This role is critical to our NASCAR program, bridging the gap between physical track testing, laboratory data, and advanced simulation. You will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of WFT test events, from equipment logistics and on-track data acquisition to high-level data analysis that feeds our tire modeling and simulation pipelines. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of technical expertise, programming proficiency, and the ability to perform under the pressure of a professional racing environment.
Responsibilities: Travel to 12-14 premier racetracks across North America annually to execute complex WFT and tire tests. Lead pre-event calibration to ensure flawless data quality prior to track sessions. Set up, manage, and troubleshoot trackside network equipment for real-time data processing and distribution. Identify sensor or data anomalies in real-time, executing rapid problem-solving to maintain data integrity during high-pressure test sessions. Represent Ford Racing at tire supplier lab testing events. Develop, maintain, and optimize custom software, scripts, and processes to streamline testing and data reduction. Expand and manage the ongoing development of Ford’s proprietary tire database and data plotter tools. Post-process massive track datasets, organize data on internal servers, and distribute highly accurate telemetry to cross-functional partners (Aerodynamics, Tire, and Vehicle Dynamics engineers). Run and correlate offline simulation tools with physical at-track data. Support Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator sessions specifically targeted toward the WFT car. Partner closely with the tire modeling group to drive tire model evolution and parameterization. Research and integrate new test techniques, sensor technologies, and data processing methodologies. Collaborate with partner racing teams to develop cohesive, common test plans that benefit vehicle dynamics, aero, and competition groups. Manage the lifecycle of highly specialized data acquisition equipment, including maintaining logs, quoting new equipment, and coordinating repairs with outside vendors. Maintain and organize the WFT testing SharePoint site to ensure seamless knowledge sharing.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. Proven knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles and associated physical testing methods. Strong programming proficiency for data analysis and software development, utilizing tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Python (Proficiency in Visual Studio and C# is highly desired). Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. A deep passion for motorsports and an unrelenting commitment to engineering excellence.
Willingness to travel extensively (domestically and occasionally internationally), including weekends, to support 12-14 test events per year.
Even Better If You Have: Previous race engineering or track support experience in a top-tier series (NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, WEC, Formula 1). Hands-on experience with advanced simulation software (e.g., Dymola, CarSim, VI-Grade, Canopy). Expertise in industry-standard data acquisition (DAQ) software tools such as Motec i2, Bosch WinDarab, or McLaren Atlas.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we’ve outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!