Simulation, Tools and Methods Manager

Jobtailor; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Racing in Concord seeks a senior engineering leader to drive Driver-in-the-Loop simulators and cross‑functional integration. You will mentor a high‑performance team, shape the strategic roadmap, and align tooling and models across Ford Racing, NASCAR, and partner programs.

You will manage budgets, advance AI‑based tools, and expand simulator capabilities to support race programs and track tests at Ford facilities in Concord and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 10+ years in motorsports, automotive, or aerospace.
• Experience managing and operating Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulators.
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary vehicle subsystem models into simulation environments.
• Experience using industry-standard racing tools, telemetry systems, and vehicle dynamics software.
• Experience implementing AI-based engineering solutions or developing advanced analytical tools.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering (preferred).
• Active involvement in competitive motorsports (preferred).
• Established network in global motorsports or advanced simulation industries (preferred).
• Experience managing multi-million dollar operational budgets (preferred).
• Willingness to travel, including track tests (preferred).
• Deep passion for racing and high-performance vehicle development (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performance simulation team.
• Grow and integrate Ford Racing DiL simulators within a unified engineering unit.
• Own the operational roadmap and annual budgets for the simulators.
• Drive adoption of common tools, data formats, and interfaces across teams.
• Integrate multidisciplinary models into a cohesive simulation environment.
• Direct development and deployment of track-side tools and data exchange.
• Lead AI-based tools and analytical methods to accelerate development.
• Oversee integration of advanced tire models for fidelity.
• Foster collaboration across NASCAR, Sportscar, Hypercar, and Off-Road programs.
• Coordinate technology transfer between external partners and Ford teams.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Program management

DiL simulators

Multidisciplinary modelling

AI tools

Vehicle dynamics

Data integration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace/EE

Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace (preferred)

Tools

Industry racing tools

Telemetry systems

Vehicle dynamics software

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous technical growth.
• Lead the strategic growth, development, and integration of the simulation team, building a unified, world‑class engineering unit dedicated to the overall success of Ford Racing.
• Own the operational roadmap and annual budgets for the Ford Racing DiL simulators, ensuring maximum uptime, efficient resource allocation, and peak technical performance.
• Act as the visionary lead for the growth and deployment of additional simulators as part of the strategic expansion of Ford Racing's global facilities.
• Drive the adoption of common tools, methods, nomenclature, input methods, and overall output formats across Ford Racing, partner race teams, and Ford Product Development (PD) to ensure seamless data exchange and alignment.
• Lead the integration of complex, multi-disciplinary models—including vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, power unit, vehicle controls, and external partner models—into a cohesive simulation environment.
• Direct the development and deployment of track‑side tools. Foster the critical engineering bridges between HHDM and VAST.
• Own the strategic implementation and future growth of AI‑based tools and analytical methods to accelerate vehicle development and simulator fidelity.
• Drive the integration of advanced tire models into the simulation environment to ensure industry‑leading correlation and driver feedback.
• Drive shared learnings and technical synergy across all simulator users, including NASCAR, Sportscar, Hypercar, and Off‑Road programs.
• Facilitate seamless technology transfer between external racing partners and internal Ford production vehicle teams to elevate both track performance and road car dynamics.
• Interface directly with Ford Land and external partners to lead the physical growth, design, and optimization of the Ford Racing Concord facilities.
• Partner with cross‑functional users to forecast future facility requirements and align on the necessary tools to manage the physical assets within the building.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of professional engineering experience in motorsports, automotive, or aerospace.
• Experience managing and operating Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulators.
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary vehicle subsystem models into simulation environments.
• Experience using industry-standard racing tools, telemetry systems, and vehicle dynamics software.
• Experience implementing AI-based engineering solutions or developing advanced analytical tools.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. (Even better)
• Active personal or professional involvement in competitive motorsports (e.g., professional racing series, club racing, or off‑road competition). (Even better)
• An established, high‑level network within the global motorsports, vehicle development, or advanced simulation industries. (Even better)
• Experience managing multi‑million dollar operational, testing, and program budgets. (Even better)
• Flexibility and willingness to travel, including weekend travel to support key race events and track tests. (Even better)
• A deep‑seated passion for racing, motorsports, and high‑performance vehicle development. (Even better)