Combustion Development Engineer – Predictive CFD Simulation

Audi Revolut F1 Team; Neuburg an der Donau (VGem); On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg (Germany) is seeking a Development Engineer specializing in 3D CFD combustion to push the limits of internal combustion engines in Formula 1. You will develop predictive simulation approaches and collaborate across simulation, testing, and fuel development teams.

Applicants should have a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or PhD with several years of CFD experience, strong Linux/HPC skills, and a passion for motorsport.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Several years of professional experience in combustion or high‑performance CFD.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and combustion processes.
• Experience with predictive simulation methods and data‑driven development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize 3D CFD combustion processes for high‑performance engines.
• Design and analyze gas exchange, mixing, ignition and heat transfer.
• Develop predictive simulation methods for future hardware concepts.
• Plan and execute 3D CFD simulations, interpreting results and deriving actions.
• Develop and validate models for injection, combustion, knock and heat transfer.
• Correlate CFD with single/multi‑cylinder bench data and experiments.

Skills

3D CFD

Python

Linux/HPC

Machine Learning

DOE methods

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

STAR-CCM+

CONVERGE

STAR-CD

Job description

Our Team

Since the 2026 season, Audi has been competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The new team has three locations. The Motorsport Competence Center of Audi in Neuburg (Germany) is considered one of the most modern of its kind in Europe. The Formula 1 factory of Audi Motorsport AG in Hinwil (Switzerland) is known for its innovative technologies and passion for racing. The Audi Motorsport Technology Center in UK is in its launch phase and growing continuously. Our Power Unit comes from Neuburg, while Hinwil is responsible for the development of the chassis and race operations.

What you need? The mindset of an athlete. If you are someone for whom giving up isn’t an option and limits are just something to be overcome, you can bring Vorsprung durch Technik to Formula 1 with us. Become part of this unique project and make motorsport history.

This position is to be filled at Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg (Germany).

Development Engineer – 3D CFD Combustion

As a Development Engineer in the field of 3D CFD combustion, you are responsible for developing and optimizing the combustion process of the Audi Formula 1 power unit. By leveraging state‑of‑the‑art 3D CFD methodologies, you will develop predictive simulation approaches for the design of future hardware and combustion process concepts, pushing the performance of the internal combustion engine to its physical limits under the most demanding conditions in the pinnacle of motorsport.

You will work at the interface between simulation, testing, fuel development, and data analysis. Your role includes developing robust simulation methods, correlating virtual and experimental results, and applying modern HPC, automation, and AI techniques to accelerate development cycles and unlock new potentials in combustion processes.

Your Mission

• Development and optimization of combustion processes using high‑resolution 3D CFD simulations
• Thermodynamic design and analysis of gas exchange, mixture formation, ignition, combustion and heat transfer
• Development and application of predictive simulation methods for evaluating future combustion process and hardware concepts
• Independent planning, execution, and evaluation of 3D CFD simulations, including technical interpretation and derivation of development measures
• Development and validation of models for direct injection, turbulent combustion, knock prediction, ignition, and heat transfer
• Establishment and maintenance of correlations between simulation, single‑cylinder and multicylinder test benches and component test rigs
• Development and optimization of combustion processes for sustainable and synthetic fuels
• Investigation of fuel properties and their impact on mixture formation, ignition behavior, flame propagation, knock limit and efficiency
• Close collaboration with fuel development partners for characterisation and optimisation of future racing fuels
• Further development of simulation processes, toolchains, and automation solutions
• Use of modern HPC infrastructures for high‑performance CFD simulations
• Development of data‑driven methods for design space exploration, optimisation, and model development
• Application of data analytics, machine learning and AI methods to improve simulation quality and development speed
• Close collaboration with testing, calibration, fuel development and virtual engineering teams

Your Profile

• You have successfully completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Applied Thermodynamics, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Mechanics or a comparable field of study (Master’s degree, Diploma or PhD)
• You have already gained several years of professional experience in combustion development with a focus on 3D CFD simulation of high‑performance combustion engines
• You possess a profound understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, combustion processes and mixture formation
• You are highly familiar with the development and application of predictive simulation methods
• You have experience in spray, combustion, ignition, knock and heat transfer modelling
• Working with test bench and experimental data as well as correlating CFD results with measurement data is part of your professional expertise
• You have already gained experience in the development of combustion concepts for sustainable or synthetic fuels
• You bring knowledge of modern sustainable racing fuels, e‑fuels and advanced fuel characterisation
• You have already gained experience with automated optimisation processes, DOE methods and surrogate models
• A passion for motorsport and high‑performance powertrain technologies is clearly evident in you
• You have experience in the development of high‑performance or motorsport combustion engines
• Experience in Formula 1, WEC, IndyCar, MotoGP or comparable high‑performance motorsport programmes distinguishes you
• You possess excellent knowledge of at least one commercial CFD environment, such as STAR‑CCM+, CONVERGE or STAR‑CD
• Excellent Linux skills as well as experience working with HPC cluster environments distinguishes you
• You have already gained programming and automation experience, preferably in Python
• You bring experience in data analysis, statistical evaluation and data‑driven development methods
• Knowledge in the field of Machine Learning and AI applications for simulation and development processes forms part of your professional expertise
• You possess knowledge of CAD and geometry preparation
• You are characterised by a structured, analytical and self‑reliant way of working
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are among your strengths
• You bring a high level of commitment and motivation, demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and show enthusiasm as well as persuasiveness
• Full professional proficiency in German or English and a willingness to learn a basic level in the corresponding other language rounds off your profile

About Us

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities. We look forward to reviewing your application and having you join the team as part or full‑time employee in our pursuit of excellence in Formula 1.