Central Performance Engineer - GTP IMSA

Motorsport Hackers; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Motorsport Hackers is seeking a Central Performance Engineer for the W Racing Team's GTP IMSA program. You will be at the center of the team, bridging data, vehicle dynamics, and race operations to maximize performance across simulations, testing and race events.

The role demands deep data analysis, cross-team collaboration with race engineers, strategy and systems engineers, and the ability to travel for events.

Qualifications

• Degree in Motorsport Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 6+ years in professional motorsport (WEC/IMSA/Formula E/F1/F2).
• Experience across multiple disciplines and more than one race car.
• Strong data analysis and vehicle dynamics knowledge.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, ATLAS/MoTeC, Excel.
• Knowledge of tire modelling and aerodynamics.
• Experience with simulation tools and driver-in-the-loop sims.
• Able to communicate findings quickly under pressure.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including weekends.
• Commitment to WRT ESG values.

Responsibilities

• Work centrally within the WRT-BMW Engineering Group to optimize LMDh performance.
• Collaborate with race, performance, and systems engineers.
• Provide performance and driver analysis to support setup decisions.
• Compare car performance, identify differences and issues.
• Lead pre-event setup and post-event analysis reports.
• Conduct performance simulations using KPI and data analysis.
• Support race strategy with energy management tracking.
• Develop tools for data processing and visualization.
• Ensure compliance with BoP and technical regs.
• Coordinate with BMW/WRT groups on engineering tools.

Skills

Data analysis

MATLAB

Python

Vehicle dynamics

Tire modelling

Aerodynamics

Simulation tools

Communication

Decision making

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Motorsport Engineering degree

Tools

ATLAS/MoTeC

Lap-time simulation tools

Simulators

Job description

Job: Central Performance Engineer

Team: W Racing Team

Program: GTP IMSA

Group: IMSA Engineering Group (IMSA_EG)

Reporting to: WRT Hypercar&GTP Lead Engineer (LENG)

As the Central Performance Engineer within our GTP/IMSA race program, you will work at the center ofthe team between both BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars and support the complete engineering group formaximizing vehicle performance across simulation, testing, and race events.

You will be responsible for analysing car and driver data, identifying performance opportunities and forleading setup decisions. The role provides a direct link between the car-specific performance engineers,race engineers, strategy group, systems engineers and drivers for all performance related matters.

With a broad overview of both cars and the overall team operation, the Central Performance Engineer isresponsible for identifying cross-car performance trends, coordinating shared engineering activities andensuring that all performance relevant information is analyzed, communicated and implementedefficiently.

The role is particularly suited to an engineer who combines strong technical analysis with excellentcommunication, organization and trackside decision-making skills and requires a deep technicalunderstanding of modern prototype race cars, strong data analysis skills, and the ability to operateunder pressure in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

Tasks and responsibilities contain as a baseline, but are not limited to the following:

• Work centrally within the WRT-BMW Engineering Group (Performance Engineering) in WEC tocontinuously optimize and improve performance of our LMDh race cars.
• Work in tight collaboration with the race-, performance- and systems-engineers.
• Provide performance and driver analysis to support Race Engineer on setup/performancesystems directions prior to, during and post event.
• Compare and analyze the performance of both cars, identifying differences, opportunities andpotential issues.
• Coordinate cross-car engineering topics and ensure that relevant findings are shared efficiently.
• Lead pre-event setup preparation and post event setup analysis report.
• Responsible for performance simulations: preparation, execution and analysis.Performance overview throughout the useof KPI, data analysis and simulations.
• Provide race strategy support to Race Engineer and Strategy Group with setup, controls systems and energy management tracking and optimization.
• Work collaboratively with vehicle dynamics, tire, systems, and simulation teams to validate toolsand models.
• Conduct competitor analysis using IMSA data, onboard footage, and lap-time modelling.
• Assist in developing automated tools for data processing and visualization.
• Support rig tests, dyno work, and simulator sessions as required.
• Ensure compliance with technical regulations and BoP (Balance of Performance) limitations.
• Be responsible for dedicated performance-related tasks assigned by WRT LMDh Chief Engineer.
• Work with global BMW and WRT engineering groups to maintain, develop and update anyEngineering and analysis tools and software.

The Central Performance Engineer should have the following desired skillset:

• Degree in Motorsport Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in professional motorsport, preferably in WEC, IMSA, Formula E or F1/F2
• Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines and supporting more than one race car
• Strong understanding of race-car performance and vehicle data analysis
• Strong proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, ATLAS/MoTeC, Excel)
• In-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics, tire modelling, and aerodynamics
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., lap-time simulation, driver-in-the-loop simulators)
• Ability to analyze and communicate findings quickly in a high-pressure environment with tightdeadlines
• Excellent communication skills for clear interaction with technical teams and drivers
• Flexibility to travel extensively, including weekends and long hours at race and test events.
• Promote our values (People, Passion, Performance) and commit to personal investment into theWRT ESG strategy.