Principal Vehicle Performance Engineer

Motorsport Network, LLC; Banbury; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TGR Haas F1 Team in Banbury, UK, seeks a Performance Engineer to define car performance targets, identify limitations, and deliver analysis across vehicle handling, tyres, and aerodynamics. You will provide functional technical leadership across Vehicle Performance activities and help develop simulation capabilities to support race car performance.

You will work closely with Aero, Vehicle Dynamics, and Race Engineering, contribute to continuous improvement, and ensure high standards of service,

Qualifications

• Minimum BS degree in a STEM subject; Masters/PhD preferred.
• Significant experience in vehicle dynamics, simulation, track data and aero data analysis in Formula One.
• Thorough understanding of F1 performance development tools and processes.
• Working knowledge of FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations.
• Experience in project management and cross-functional delivery.
• Proven leadership in high-pressure environments.
• 15+ years of work experience, 10+ in Formula One.

Responsibilities

• Define car and aerodynamic development targets with the Performance Director.
• Develop assessment approaches using Driver in the Loop Simulators to support upgrades.
• Identify car weaknesses and communicate actionable outputs.
• Deliver performance and vehicle handling analysis from simulation and track data.
• Provide technical leadership across Vehicle Performance activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Aero, Vehicle Dynamics, and Race Engineering.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Simulation

Track data analysis

Aerodynamics data analysis

Leadership

Project management

FIA regulations knowledge

Problem solving

Education

BS in STEM

Masters/PhD preferred

Tools

Driver in the Loop Simulators

In-house simulation tools

MATLAB

Job description

TGR Haas F1 Team has been a stalwart of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship over the past decade. With more than 200 grand prix starts to our name, we pride ourselves on being an ambitious challenger within Formula 1 - and we want you to be part of that journey.

The first American Formula 1 team to compete in the sport since 1986, TGR Haas F1 Team made an immediate impression with a memorable points-scoring debut at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix. Ten years later, the team is still building momentum, guided by clear objectives and technical partnerships, and fresh from securing its second biggest points haul in a Formula 1 season.

We’re a racing team – not a corporate machine. We have three HQs – Kannapolis in the US, Banbury in the UK and Maranello in Italy – each powered by passionate, loyal and hardworking team ambassadors. At TGR Haas F1 Team, you’ll gain exposure to many areas of the business, enjoy wider visibility, and clearly see your contributions.

Yes, you’ll learn from us, but we expect to learn from you too!

General Summary

This role reports to the Performance Director or their designee and is based in Banbury, UK. Responsible for defining car performance targets, identifying limitations, and delivering analysis across vehicle handling, tyres, and aerodynamic aspects of car performance. Provides functional technical leadership across Vehicle Performance activities and drives development of analysis methodologies and simulation capability to support car performance objectives.

The role supports the delivery and contribution of departmental and organisational objectives. Responsible for supporting day‑to‑day operations within their area of responsibility, working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure high standards of service, compliance, and performance. Adherence to organisational policies and procedures, effective communication with line management, and a commitment to continuous improvement and inclusive ways of working is essential.

Role Principles

• Act with integrity, always upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.


• Drive innovation and change to continuously improve ways of working and outcomes.


• Pursue operational excellence, ensuring efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.


• Collaborate inclusively, building strong partnerships to achieve shared goals.


• Maintain a customer‑focused approach, prioritising the needs of internal and external stakeholders.


• Champion sustainability by embedding responsible and environmentally conscious practices into everyday work.

Key Responsibilities

Role‑Specific Responsibilities:

• Support defining car and aerodynamic development targets aligned to performance objectives with the Performance Director.


• Using Driver in the Loop Simulators’ and offline in house simulation tools, develop class leading assessment approaches to support wind tunnel weighting development and aero and mechanical upgrade proposals to improve the race car.


• Identify car weaknesses and prioritise improvement opportunities and communicate clear, actionable outputs to support improving car performance.


• Deliver performance and vehicle handling analysis from simulation and track data.


• Support development and validation of vehicle simulation tools where required with Performance Systems Group.


• Provide functional technical leadership across VPG activities and guide best practice where possible.


• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Aero, Vehicle Dynamics, Vehicle Performance and Race Engineering.
  

Operational Delivery:

• Carry out day‑to‑day tasks efficiently and within agreed timescales.


• Ensure work meets expected service, quality, and compliance standards.


• Demonstrate accountability and professionalism in all activities.

Team & Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.


• Participate in meetings, briefings, and forums as required.


• Respond to queries within scope, escalating more complex matters when necessary.

Compliance & Governance:

• Adhere to relevant legislation, organisational policies, and internal controls.


• Handle information responsibly, including confidential or sensitive data.


• Support audit, governance, and risk management activities as required.

Continuous Improvement:

• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve processes and ways of working.


• Participate in team initiatives, projects, or improvement activities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the level and purpose of the role, as assigned by the line manager.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum BS degree in a STEM subject. Masters or PhD preferred,


• Significant experience in vehicle dynamics, simulation, track data and aerodynamic data analysis in Formula One.


• High understanding of F1 performance development tools and processes.


• Working knowledge of FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations.


• Experience in project management and cross-functional delivery.


• Proven leadership in high‑pressure, performance‑driven environments.


• At least 15 years of work experience, 10 years of which must be in Formula One.
  

Resilience & Composure:

• Maintains calm and focus in high‑pressure, fast‑paced environments.


• Able to handle setbacks and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Integrity & Discretion:

• Trusted to manage confidential information and sensitive team matters.


• Upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Team-Oriented:

• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to team cohesion and shared success.


• Willingness to mentor and develop talent within the organisation.

Adaptability & Flexibility:

• Comfortable with extensive travel and irregular working hours, including weekends and race days.


• Open to innovation and continuous improvement in processes and culture.
  

Equipment and Applications

• Highly familiar and ideally contributed to the development of lap simulation, race car setup and performance analysis tools.


• Experience with the McLaren Electronic Systems tool chain for race car data analysis.


• Proficient with scripting tools (primarily the Math Works MATLAB).


• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 products.


• Experience with any symbolic and acausal modelling language (such as Modelica, SimScape or other multi‑body/physical modelling software tools) would be desirable.


• Proficient with object-oriented coding (preferably in C# or C++) would be desirable.
  

Physical Demands

Extended Hours & Flexibility:

• Many roles require working evenings, weekends, and public holidays, particularly during race season or critical development phases.

Travel Requirements:

• Roles supporting race operations, logistics, or communications may involve frequent international travel, including long-haul flights and time zone shifts.

Physical Activity (Varies by Role):

• Trackside roles may involve standing for long periods, walking across paddocks, and working in noisy, crowded environments.


• Factory roles may require manual handling of components, use of machinery, or working in temperature‑controlled areas.


• Office‑based roles typically involve prolonged computer use and occasional movement between departments.

Sensory Demands:

• Exposure to high noise levels (e.g., engines, pit lane activity), bright lighting, and fast‑moving environments is common in race support roles.


• This role is based in a shared workplace environment where exposure to common allergens (including food products, fragrances and cleaning materials) may occur. While we will always consider reasonable adjustments, we are unable to guarantee a completely allergen‑free environment.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• All roles require adherence to strict safety protocols, especially in technical and trackside environments.


• Completion of all mandatory compliance training (including health and safety, data protection, and role‑specific regulatory training) is a condition of employment and must be maintained throughout tenure.

At TGR Haas F1 Team, we consider our employees our greatest asset. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and grow. We value diversity and encourage our employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are fundamental to who we are as a company and a collective of colleagues. Our commitment to these ethics is steadfast and this promise travels with us wherever we are in the world.

We look after our team with multiple rewards packages, competitive bonuses and year-round health and wellbeing programs, providing you with the tools to motivate and perform at your best.

Notice

Due to the nature of the organisation, all employees of TGR Haas F1 Team are required to be security cleared to National Security Vetting standards. If successful in your application, we would support you with the NSV process. As a guideline only, you would normally need to have been a UK resident for the last 5 consecutive years. Further confirmation can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority National Security Vetting (NSV) website https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/security/national-security-vetting/

If you have not been a UK resident for the last 5 consecutive years, please be prepared to request an Overseas Criminal Records Check for these countries as you will be asked to provide this for referencing and security checks if you are successful.