Lead NASCAR Aerodynamics Engineer

Oshkosh AeroTech; Huntersville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Miller in Huntersville, NC seeks a senior aerodynamics engineer to lead wind tunnel and track testing, translating findings into race vehicle specs and CFD updates.

You will steer aero development across the NASCAR program, collaborating with aero, CFD, design and manufacturing teams to deliver validated performance improvements for on-track results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• Minimum 6 years professional motorsport or automotive aerodynamics experience.
• Strong experience with wind tunnel testing and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead interface between aerodynamics group and NASCAR teams to develop aero targets and communicate development needs.
• Coordinate wind tunnel test planning, execution, and analysis for successful tests.
• Lead aero track testing planning and analysis to support race vehicle performance.
• Incorporate aerodynamic developments into actionable vehicle builds and CFD models.
• Develop aerodynamic instrumentation plans for wind tunnel and track testing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, design, and software groups to complete projects to a high standard.

Skills

Wind tunnel test planning

Data analysis

CFD/ aero simulations

CAD (Catia)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Catia Generative Shape Design

MS Office

Job description

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

You will lead wind tunnel and track-focused activities that include test planning, directing test article preparation, execution, data analysis, reporting and implementation of findings into race vehicle specifications and into simulation tools. Working closely with the internal team of Aero/CFD/Design Engineers and Fabricators along with team resources, you will employ and develop the most modern methods available.

You will have the opportunity to lead various areas of an aerodynamic development program from design specification, conceptual layout, component optimization, physical realization, through on-track performance verification. This position is in the Motorsports NASCAR Program at the Huntersville, NC Pratt Miller location and will include local travel for team visits as well as overnight travel for track testing and race attendance as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS : Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead interface between Pratt Miller aerodynamics group and supported NASCAR race teams to develop and communicate aero targets, performance and development needs (including toolset improvements)
• Lead the development of targets and integration of aerodynamics into broader vehicle for system performance optimization for NASCAR applications (e.g., ensuring the proper implementation of aerodynamic models into full vehicle simulations through development and maintenance of aeromaps)
• Organize wind tunnel test planning, coordination, execution and analysis to ensure successful tests.
• Lead aero perspective of track testing (planning, preparation, execution, analysis).
• Work with Aerodynamic Specification Lead to incorporate aerodynamic developments into actionable team vehicle builds and to confirm proper maintenance of body build specifications with built-in test traceability.
• Develop, communicate, and implement aerodynamic instrumentation needs for wind tunnel and track testing.
• Focus on the real-world aerodynamic performance of race vehicles through correlation efforts to improve CFD, wind tunnel simulations and aerodynamic models
• Perform aerodynamic and thermal analyses using a variety of tools (empirical and numerical) and synthesize alternatives
• Report and communicate findings to customers in a clear, concise and timely manner
• Develop concepts and aero surfaces for CFD, wind tunnel and track testing
• Work with Pratt Miller manufacturing, model making, electronics, software, and race operations groups to complete projects to a high standard

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform, thrive, and push all levels of specialists to work in a dynamic and fast-paced, professional team environment
• Attention to time management
• Ability to communicate on various platforms (Teams, email, text message, phone calls)
• Must adhere to work schedule with reliable attendance
• Strong work ethic and pride in workmanship

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required
• Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred
• Minimum of 6 years professional motorsport or automotive aerodynamics experience

DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and data analysis experience required
• Understanding of aerodynamics as an integral part of overall race vehicle performance
• Conceptual and technical understanding of motorsports aerodynamics with ability to develop from first principles
• Experience in CAD surfacing design, preferably Catia Generative Shape Design
• Develop hardware and/or software tools to expand current capabilities in correlation and flow field understanding
• Ability to work with a team of wind tunnel specialists in various capacities including passing down learned skills and knowledge
• Ability to take on assignments independently with little direction given
• Ability and skill able to suggest detailed improvements in systems and procedures to design staff to improve testing and process efficiency
• Proficiency in use of MS Office tools for concise and effective communication

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hands-on skills and willingness to fit test parts in shop or at wind tunnel as needed
Ability to move boxes and parts up to 50 lbs.
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undefined EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Day shift, start time of 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM M-FMust be flexible with work schedule to accommodate fixed deadlines, including occasional work on Saturday and/or SundayAble to work off-hour and/