Lead Aerodynamics CFD Engineer — NASCAR Performance

Shape Race Day From Your Desktop

Join our team in Welcome, NC as the technical lead who turns airflow into lap time. As our Lead Aerodynamics CFD Engineer, you will own the virtual wind tunnel, using advanced simulation to extract downforce, shave drag, and sharpen handling across the full range of racing attitudes.

A day (and week) in the role

• Prepare pristine CAD geometry and evolve meshing strategies tailored to your CFD solver to ensure accuracy and stability.
• Build and execute high-fidelity external aero studies across yaw, pitch, roll, and steer conditions representative of real track scenarios.
• Post-process results, identify actionable trends, and translate findings into clear recommendations for design, setup, and strategy.
• Correlate CFD with wind tunnel data and on-track telemetry to validate models and close the loop on predicted vs. measured performance.
• Collaborate with OEM partners, aerodynamicists, design engineers, and vehicle dynamics specialists to convert insights into performance parts and configurations.
• Operate within the fast cadence of the weekly race calendar—prioritize, deliver, and iterate under time pressure.

Tools and methods you’ll use

• ANSYS Fluent, Siemens Star-CCM+, or OpenFOAM with advanced turbulence modeling (DES, LES, SST k-omega).
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): job setup, submission, and management of large simulation queues.
• Robust post-processing and model verification workflows to ensure trustworthy, repeatable outcomes.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a fluid dynamics emphasis.
• 5+ years applying CFD in an engineering environment; motorsports experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of vehicle aerodynamics and how aero loads influence handling and balance.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-tempo environment driven by a race-week schedule.

Preferred extras

• Master’s degree with focus in Computational Fluid Dynamics or Experimental Aerodynamics.
• Background in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, or comparable professional racing series.
• Working knowledge of NASCAR aerodynamic regulations and constraints.
• Familiarity with vehicle dynamics and the interaction between aero forces and mechanical grip.

Core proficiencies

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Aerodynamics
• ANSYS
• OpenFOAM
• Professional Motorsports
• Star-CCM+
• Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Location: Welcome, NC