Performance Engineer

Lola Cars; Silverstone; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lola Cars seeks an experienced Performance Engineer to join our team at Silverstone, driving performance across Formula E and other programs. You will build simulations, analyse telemetry, and optimise car performance with a focus on innovation and race-winning accuracy.

You will work closely with race engineering and trackside groups, using state-of-the-art tools and ML techniques to deliver actionable insights and push the Gen 4.0 era of Formula E forward.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a top-tier motorsport trackside role with proven performance engineering.
• Strong background in simulation and Driver-in-the-Loop for vehicle development.
• Deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, tyres and aerodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Create and run performance simulations and define parameters for projects.
• Develop and optimise vehicle simulations for race programmes.
• Analyse telemetry and simulation data to improve performance.
• Improve car and driver performance through targeted analysis.
• Develop new methodologies for performance analysis.
• Create in-house tools for race management and strategy.
• Collaborate with trackside, simulation, and engineering teams.

Skills

Trackside experience

Vehicle dynamics

Tyre modelling

Aerodynamics

Simulation tools

MATLAB/Python

Machine learning

Driver-in-the-loop

Canopy/AVL VSM/Simulink

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical/Motorsport/Aeronautical)

Tools

ATLAS

System Monitor

vTAG

Job description

The Opportunity

At Lola Cars, we are building something special.

As one of the most iconic names in motorsport, we design, build, engineer and race world-class race and road cars from our new headquarters at Silverstone, and we need exceptional people behind every part of that journey.

We have a fabulous opportunity for an experienced Performance Engineer to join the growing, dedicated and talented Lola team as we embark on the exciting Gen 4.0 era of Formula E. The role of the Performance Engineer is to analyse and optimise the performance of all our race cars across all racing projects undertaken by the Lola Technical Team.

What You Will Be Doing

• Create and run performance simulations and define performance parameters for all technical projects.


• Create and optimise vehicle simulations for all race programmes.


• Analyse telemetry and simulation data to assess and optimise vehicle performance.


• Optimise car and driver performance through thorough and targeted analysis across all track sessions and events.


• Develop and implement new methodologies for performance analysis.


• Deliver innovative concepts, both on and off car, to differentiate performance from competitors.


• Provide support to Race Engineering during event preparation and post-event analysis.


• Provide support for DIL activities during event preparation, post-event correlation, system development, and driver training.


• Create in-house tools for race management, energy management, and strategy.


• Work closely with trackside engineering and simulator groups to deliver accurate simulation results, both pre-event and in-event.


• Create and maintain vehicle models using various software applications to enhance vehicle performance.


• Continuously explore and implement new simulation methods to ensure state-of-the-art models and algorithms.


• Take pro‑active leadership in model correlation activities to enhance simulation accuracy.


• Utilise machine learning techniques to build performance analysis tools and predictive models for vehicle systems.


• Collaborate across different groups to progress toward performance targets.


• Attend track events, as necessary.


• Attend regular Performance Review and Project Review meetings to track progress and ensure alignment across technical areas.


• Maintain accurate documentation of all performance simulations.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum 2 years’ experience in a trackside role within top-tier motorsport, such as F1, FE or LMP, highlighting a proven track record in performance engineering. Well‑versed in utilising simulation and Driver‑in‑the‑Loop simulator applications for vehicle development within motorsport. Demonstrate a profound understanding of vehicle dynamics, tyres and aerodynamics.

• Experience with performance control systems is an advantage.


• Experience in creating advanced vehicle and systems models for simulation purposes, including tyre modelling.


• Experience with the TAG ecosystem, including ATLAS, System Monitor and vTAG, is an advantage.


• Vehicle simulation experience using Canopy, AVL VSM and Simulink is an advantage.


• Proficient with programming and analysis languages, e.g. MATLAB, Python, etc.


• Experience in machine learning an advantage.

Self‑motivated to develop, drive and deliver race car performance.

• Ability to work both independently and as a team player.


• Communicates and demonstrates progress towards the end goal.


• Has the confidence and knowledge to raise issues and develop solutions.


• Relatively comfortable operating in a fluid, changing environment.


• Shows strong attention to detail and enjoys working with detail in all areas.


• Methodical and measured in approach.


• Builds rapport with team members.


• Uses initiative to find ways to achieve and deliver what is required.


• Possess a composed demeanour and the ability to make structured decisions with sound reasoning.


• Lead by example and possess the ability to inspire and motivate both their team and peers.


• Demonstrate strong organisational and time management abilities.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Degree level qualification or commensurate work experience.

• Mechanical, Motorsport or Aeronautical engineering degree desirable but not essential.


• Physics and Maths qualifications are desirable.


• Project management experience desirable but not essential.


• An interest in and understanding of engineering/motorsport.

The Successful Candidate Might Be

• An existing Performance and Simulation Engineer in a motorsport or automotive company.


• A Performance and Simulation Engineer who has acquired the appropriate experience, skills and knowledge.


• An experienced engineer with the relevant skills and knowledge.

Role, Location & Hours:

The role will be based at the new Lola facility in Silverstone. The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day.

Why Lola

This is a rare opportunity to join one of motorsport’s most iconic names at a defining stage in its next chapter.

Based at Silverstone, you will work alongside talented engineers, technicians and performance specialists developing world‑class race vehicles in a fast‑moving, high‑performance environment where precision, innovation and teamwork matter every day.

If you are driven by motorsport, excited by performance engineering and motivated by the chance to make a visible impact, we would love to hear from you as Lola continues to push forward across next‑generation electric motorsport.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lola Cars is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected.

Closing Date: 9th September 2026 (we may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found)