Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer

Spire Motorsports

$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience in motorsport vehicle dynamics and simulation, ideally NASCAR.
  • Proficiency in simulation software like Dymola, ChassisSim, or rFactor Pro.
  • Strong background in data acquisition and analysis using tools like MATLAB or Python.
  • Demonstrated understanding of vehicle dynamics fundamentals including tire behavior and suspension kinematics.

Responsibilities

  • Provide weekly support to Race Engineers through simulation and performance data management.
  • Analyze vehicle balance metrics to identify trends for performance improvement.
  • Prepare setup comparison reports for decision-making before and after events.
  • Support Driver-in-the-Loop sessions, including data organization and test plan development.
  • Collaborate with teams to ensure simulation accuracy relative to real-world conditions.
  • Test theoretical concepts in simulation to validate performance impacts.
  • Perform Design of Experiments to analyze parameter sensitivities and setup direction.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic motorsport environment with a focus on innovation.
  • Collaborative team culture with a commitment to personal and professional development.
  • Access to advanced simulation technologies and tools.
  • Exposure to high-pressure, real-time problem-solving situations during race events.
Full Job Description
In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.

Job Summary: The Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer plays a critical role in advancing Spire Motorsports' simulation and analytical capabilities to improve race car performance. This role supports the Race Engineering team on a weekly basis with data analysis, vehicle modeling, and simulation support, ensuring correlation between offline and Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) environments. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, data-driven, and passionate about using simulation tools to find measurable on-track performance gains.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None


Key Responsibilities
  • Provide ongoing weekly support to Race Engineers by preparing, organizing, and maintaining all relevant simulation and performance data.
  • Track and analyze vehicle balance metrics for each track to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
  • Prepare weekly setup comparison reports to aid in pre-event and post-event decision-making.
  • Support and execute DiL sessions, assisting with data organization, test plan development, tire model scaling, and track correlation exercises.
  • Collaborate with Race Engineers and Performance groups to ensure the DiL environment reflects real-world vehicle behavior and track conditions.
  • Test theoretical and off-line simulation concepts in the DiL for proof-of-concept validation and quantification of performance impact.
  • Perform Design of Experiments (DOE) using balance metrics and other simulation outputs to assess parameter sensitivities and guide setup direction.
  • Develop and maintain a balance calculator or equivalent analytical tool to quantify and visualize balance trends across circuits.
  • Ensure simulation data integrity and version control across vehicle model iterations and setup configurations.
  • Work closely with vehicle performance, systems, and race engineering groups to integrate simulation learnings into race preparation and setup sheets.
  • Contribute to the ongoing calibration and correlation of simulation tools (offline and DiL) against track data.
  • Identify process efficiencies and propose new methods for simulation-driven performance validation.
  • Other duties as assigned


Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Exceptional organizational, and project management skills.
  • Analytical and strategic mindset focused on efficiency, quality, and operational excellence.
  • Ability to balance priorities across multiple projects and teams.
  • Demonstrated understanding of vehicle dynamics fundamentals (aero, mechanical grip, suspension kinematics, tire behavior, etc.).
  • Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to support multiple car programs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.


Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience in motorsport vehicle dynamics, simulation, or performance engineering (NASCAR experience preferred).
  • Proficiency with simulation software such as Dymola, ChassisSim, VI-Grade, rFactor Pro, or similar platforms.
  • Strong background in data acquisition and analysis (ATLAS, MoTeC, Pi Toolbox, MATLAB, or Python).


Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move in diverse operational environments, including race shops, race tracks, SIM cells, and office environments.
  • Comfortable working in variable environmental conditions, including loud, high-traffic, or high-pressure environments.
  • Prolonged periods working at a computer and in a shop environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, and accessing low or awkward spaces.
  • Ability to safely work around machinery, shop equipment, and vehicles.


Please note: this role is subject to U.S. export control restrictions. Successful candidates must either be a U.S. Person (defined by U.S. law as U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization.

Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at Spire. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.

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