Motorsports Vehicle Testing & Performance Engineer

General Motors LLC; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Motorsports in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Motorsports Vehicle Testing & Performance Engineer to drive the preparation, execution, and analysis of vehicle testing across trackside, simulation, test-rig, bench, and virtual environments. This experienced individual-contributor role will translate engineering analysis and test data into actionable direction that improves vehicle performance.

You will work at the intersection of vehicle testing, simulation, data analysis, and race-team execution,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years in professional motorsports within a race-team environment.
• Experience planning, executing, and analyzing vehicle tests.
• Experience with motorsports data-analysis tools such as Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS.
• Knowledge of high-performance vehicle dynamics and modeling techniques.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to present evidence-based results.
• Willingness to travel regularly for testing events.

Responsibilities

• Lead test planning and trackside execution across multiple testing environments.
• Drive data analysis and performance development using relevant tools.
• Advance testing plans and integration with vehicle development objectives.
• Deliver data-driven reports and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and external partner teams.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

5+ years motorsports

Test planning

Data-analysis tools

Vehicle dynamics

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Pi Toolbox

MoTeC i2

McLaren ATLAS

Dymola/Modelica

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Description

At GM Motorsports, we are driven by a clear purpose: to accelerate our teams’ ability to win on the racetrack and in the marketplace. Our vision is to be the benchmark of global motorsports excellence, inspiring enduring passion for our brands and products through world-class performance, innovation, and teamwork. We are looking for people who share our mindset and core values — ownership in organizational success, a commitment to add value to our team, and the courage to reject mediocrity in pursuit of exceptional results.

The Role

GM Motorsports is seeking a Motorsports Vehicle Testing & Performance Engineer to drive the preparation, execution, and analysis of vehicle testing across trackside, simulated, test-rig, bench, and virtual environments. This experienced individual-contributor role will translate engineering analysis and test data into actionable direction that improves vehicle performance. You will work at the intersection of vehicle testing, simulation, data analysis, and race-team execution, partnering closely with the test team crew chief, project manager, GM engineering organizations, mechanics, and key partner race teams. The position will initially focus primarily on NASCAR-type racing programs, with potential opportunities to support additional series, including IMSA/WEC and IndyCar. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence race-vehicle performance while working across trackside testing, simulation, and advanced test-rig environments.

What You’ll Do

Lead Test Planning and Trackside Execution - Take ownership of engineering preparation for trackside, simulated, test-rig, bench, and virtual testing activities. Partner with the test team crew chief and project manager to define test objectives, develop test plans and test matrices, and coordinate vehicle and test-event readiness. Use GM offline simulation tools, driver-in-loop (DiL) simulation, aerodynamic information, and previous test and race data to define test direction and priorities. Coordinate effectively with engineers, mechanics, and partner teams during time-sensitive testing activities.

Drive Data Analysis and Performance Development - Lead vehicle-data analysis using motorsports data-analysis tools such as Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS, or equivalent platforms. Translate test and simulation results into clear conclusions, performance recommendations, and engineering direction. Work directly with key partner race teams at trackside testing events to deliver timely, data-driven feedback that improves performance. Drive simulation-correlation activities and evaluate the performance impact of vehicle, setup, or process changes.

Advance Vehicle Testing and Integration Plan and execute engineering activities involving SPMM, kinematic, and center-of-gravity rigs, as well as bench, DiL, and simulation environments. Collaborate with the GM Vehicle Integration Engineering and Testing team to connect vehicle-level test results with broader development objectives. Develop or improve analysis tools and workflows that reduce analysis time, improve data quality, or increase test-team effectiveness. Identify opportunities to improve how GM Vehicle Integration Engineering and Testing delivers performance value to key partner race teams.

Communicate and Deliver Projects - Deliver clear, concise, data-driven pre-test, event, and post-test reports that document methods, results, conclusions, and supporting evidence. Present technical findings and recommendations clearly to GM personnel, partner teams, and other stakeholders. Build trusted working relationships with engineers, mechanics, crew members, project managers, and external partner teams. Manage multiple priorities and complete projects to a high standard, on schedule, and in alignment with program resources and priorities.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Enable well-prepared, efficient testing by connecting simulation, historical data, test objectives, and trackside execution. Turn complex vehicle data into practical recommendations that help partner teams make better performance decisions. Improve the connection between trackside results, test-rig measurements, virtual environments, and simulation models. Increase the efficiency, repeatability, and quality of vehicle-test analysis through improved tools and workflows. Establish credibility as a technically rigorous, responsive, and collaborative engineering partner.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of professional motorsports experience within a professional race-team working in a vehicle-development environment.
• Demonstrated experience planning, executing, and analyzing vehicle tests or engineering development activities.
• Experience with motorsports data-analysis tools such as Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS, or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of high-performance vehicle, tire, aerodynamic, or vehicle-dynamics modeling techniques.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex data into clear engineering direction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce concise, evidence-based technical reports and present recommendations to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and make sound engineering decisions with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, mechanics, crew members, project managers, and external partner teams.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule and travel regularly to support motorsports testing events.
• Demonstrated passion for vehicle performance and hands-on, trackside testing.

What Will Give you a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Race engineering experience in NASCAR or a comparable professional racing series.
• Strong background in vehicle dynamics, race-vehicle setup, or performance development.
• Experience using Pi Toolbox, MoTeC i2, McLaren ATLAS, or comparable motorsports analysis platforms.
• Experience with driver-in-loop simulators, kinematic rigs, center-of-gravity rigs, or SPMM rigs.
• Experience with Dymola/Modelica-based simulation software or an equivalent simulation environment.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or an equivalent programming language to develop analysis tools or automate engineering workflows.
• Experience supporting simulation correlation, model validation, or test-to-simulation integration activities.
• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.

#LI-LP2

This role is categorized as hybrid

This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

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