NASCAR Cup Engine Tuner

Toyota Racing Development USA; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota Racing Development seeks a NASCAR Cup Engine Tuner to support TRD engines at NASCAR Cup Series events, performing ECU calibration, diagnostics, and data analysis to optimize performance while ensuring reliability and compliance.

The role involves extensive travel to race events, on-track tuning, post-race documentation, engine inspections, and collaboration with the Engine Support Engineer and race teams to maintain peak engine performance throughout weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in automotive tech, electronics, or motorsports preferred.
• Experience with NASCAR or professional motorsports engine support preferred.
• Ability to travel extensively to race events and work under race conditions.

Responsibilities

• Travel extensively to NASCAR Cup Series race events and support teams with engine tuning and ECU calibration.
• Load/verify ECU calibrations and monitor engine parameters during practice, qualifying, and races.
• Review ECU data to identify performance or reliability concerns and document findings.
• Prepare race vehicles for upcoming events, including pre-event readiness and post-event tasks.
• Assist with weekly engine support activities and maintain clean, organized work areas.

Skills

EFI systems

Engine calibration

Data analysis

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organization

MS Office

Engine management software

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in automotive technology/electronics/motorsports

Job description

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Toyota Racing Development inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our open positions.

TRD is looking for a highly motivated NASCAR Cup Engine Tuner.

The NASCAR Cup Engine Tuner is responsible for supporting Toyota Racing Development (TRD) engines at NASCAR Cup Series race events through electronic engine calibration, diagnostics, and technical support. Working closely with the Engine Support Engineer, race team personnel, and TRD Engine Support staff, the Race Tuner manages all ECU-related activities while ensuring optimum engine performance, reliability, and compliance throughout race weekends.

In addition to track responsibilities, the Race Tuner prepares assigned race vehicles for upcoming events by completing post-race documentation, engine inspections, ECU calibration updates, final shop starts, and other shop support activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Race Event Support

• Travel extensively to NASCAR Cup Series race events.
• Support assigned race teams through engine tuning, ECU calibration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Load and verify ECU calibrations prior to on-track activity.
• Monitor engine operating parameters during practice, qualifying, and races.
• Download, upload, and review ECU data to identify performance or reliability concerns.
• Work directly with the assigned Engine Support Engineer to optimize engine performance while maintaining engine specifications.
• Diagnose and resolve engine-related electronic or calibration issues under time-sensitive race conditions.
• Maintain assigned engine support equipment, electronics, and spare parts inventory.
• Communicate technical issues, failures, and observations to Engine Support Engineering for investigation and documentation.
• Complete required race and post-event technical documentation.

Shop Support

• Complete post-event Engine Usage Sheets (EUS) and required documentation.
• Assist with post-race engine inspections and evaluations.
• Prepare assigned race vehicles for upcoming events, including completion of pre-event readiness checklists, ECU calibration loading and verification, and final shop engine starts.
• Assist with weekly engine support activities as workload permits, including headers, airboxes, and related engine preparation tasks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of EFI systems and engine calibration.
• Ability to analyze engine data and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with racing engines.
• Ability to work effectively under the time pressures of professional motorsports.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Proficient with laptop-based engine management software and Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in automotive technology, electronics, or motorsports preferred.
• Experience with NASCAR or professional motorsports engine support preferred.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Extensive travel throughout the NASCAR Cup Series season.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and in varying weather conditions.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism while representing TRD.