Senior CFD Engineer

Racer Jobs; Concord, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Racing America Inc. in Concord, NC seeks a Senior CFD Engineer to lead CFD efforts to optimize aerodynamic performance for NASCAR race team.

You will drive simulations to improve vehicle efficiency and on-track results. The role requires advanced degree and 5+ years CFD in motorsports; you will mentor juniors, refine meshing and turbulence models, and collaborate across engineering functions to translate CFD insights into design improvements.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering required.
• 5+ years CFD experience, preferably in motorsports or high-performance autos.
• Strong aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and turbulence modeling expertise.
• Proficiency with CFD tools: Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and validation of CFD simulations for stock car aerodynamics.
• Analyze airflow to optimize downforce, drag, cooling, and balance across tracks.
• Collaborate with OEM, aerodynamicists, design, and vehicle dynamics teams to apply CFD insights.
• Develop meshing strategies, turbulence models, and solver settings for high-fidelity sims.
• Correlate CFD results with wind tunnel and track data to improve accuracy.
• Drive workflow automation and post-processing improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and help grow the team's CFD capability.
• Support race weekends with rapid analysis and performance recommendations.

Skills

CFD

Aerodynamics

Python

HPC

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

OpenFOAM

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior CFD Engineer to join our NASCAR race team. This role will be responsible for leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) efforts to optimize aerodynamic performance, improve vehicle efficiency, and contribute directly to on-track success. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with a passion for motorsports and a results-driven mindset in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and validation of CFD simulations for stock car aerodynamic performance
• Analyze airflow behavior to optimize downforce, drag, cooling, and vehicle balance across superspeedways, intermediates, and short tracks
• Collaborate closely with OEM, aerodynamicists, design engineers, and vehicle dynamics teams to translate CFD insights into practical design improvements
• Develop and refine meshing strategies, turbulence models, and solver settings for high-fidelity simulations
• Correlate CFD results with wind tunnel, on-track, and telemetry data to improve model accuracy
• Drive continuous improvement of simulation workflows, automation, and post-processing techniques
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building team-wide CFD capability
• Support race weekends with rapid analysis and performance recommendations as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in CFD, preferably in motorsports or high-performance automotive environments
• Strong expertise in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and turbulence modeling
• Proficiency with leading CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM)
• Experience with meshing tools and high-performance computing (HPC) environments
• Solid understanding of vehicle aerodynamics principles (downforce, drag, yaw sensitivity, ride height effects)
• Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and data analysis
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, or other professional motorsports
• Experience correlating CFD with wind tunnel and track data
• Familiarity with NASCAR vehicle regulations and aerodynamic constraints
• Knowledge of CAD tools and design integration workflows
• Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments) and optimization techniques

Key Competencies

• Analytical and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
• Effective communicator in a cross-functional team environment
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, performance-driven racing environment