Performance engineer

13 hours ago


George, South Africa This Is Engineering Full time

Performance engineers work within motorsport racing teams to ensure the car is set up to the driver’s liking and is performing to the best of its ability.

What is performance engineering?

What do they do before, during and after a race?

Before a race, they meet with other departments such as aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and tyres, analysing information to create the perfect starting set-up for that event.

While the car is on track, a performance engineer will analyse data to monitor performance and conduct safety checks. They’ll check things like the tyre pressures, suspension, ride height, and recommend changes to make on the next run.

After the race, the performance engineer will analyse the data and work with the driver to discover what the team needs to do to help the driver go faster.

What other types of engineers work within a racing team?

There are around 15 to 20 engineers at the race track - only a few people work trackside

Generally, there are five key engineers for each car - race engineer, performance engineer, controls engineer, engine performance engineer and engine systems engineer.

Factfile

Starting salary (graduate): £25,000-£30,000 a year
Desirable skills: Quick thinking, passion for racing, communication and problem-solving
Useful experience: Racing/karting any vehicle

Working life

Where does a performance engineer work?

- Trackside - Many performance engineers attend all the races and test events with the team.
- Factory - They may also work at the ‘factory’ or headquarters, in workshops/laboratories testing car set-ups. Here, they'll prepare the set-up, make decisions on things like suspension set-up and choose tyres. They will also get documents ready for the upcoming race weekend.
- At the race - They will spend a few days with the mechanics, getting the car ready for the race. During the race, it can be a high-pressure environment.
- Remotely - After the race, they fly home and the following week they’ll analyse data from the race and make changes to the car set-up so that the car can perform better next race.

What does a day at work look like for a performance engineer?

No two days are the same for performance engineers; they tend not to work 9am-5pm, some work shift work and many frequently travel across the world to the races.

How much could I earn as a performance engineer?

- Starting salary (graduate): £25,000-£30,000 a year
- Junior engineers: £45,000-£65,000 a year
- Senior engineers: £70,000-£115,000 a year

Where could this job take me?

You could be promoted into a 'race engineer' role where you could be looking after the whole car's performance.

You could move into senior management such as department head or chief aerodynamicist.

You could move racing teams or disciplines, for example, from Formula 1 to Formula E

Become a performance engineer

What qualifications do I need?

During your studies, you’ll get experience with vehicle dynamics or mathematical modelling, using software such as MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) or SimPack.

Consider a motorsport-related work placement as part of your degree, join a local racing or karting team, or see if you can become a marshal at a race to gain insight into the skills and knowledge needed.

Other opportunities

- Racing For All - If you have less than a year's experience in the motorsport industry, apply for this scheme to get hands-on experience and learn what it takes to be part of a professional race team.
- Girls on Track - Find out if a motorsport career is for you by attending a free school event, or seek advice from the free online community and access monthly virtual events with leaders in motorsport.

#J-18808-Ljbffr



  • George, Western Cape, South Africa This Is Engineering Full time

    Job DescriptionAs a Performance Engineer at This Is Engineering, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the car is set up to deliver optimal performance for our racing team. You will work closely with other departments, including aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, to analyze data and create the perfect starting setup for each event.


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa This Is Engineering Full time

    What We're Looking ForWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Performance Engineer who can think critically and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and mathematical modeling, as well as experience with software such as MATLAB and SimPack.


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Job Title: Senior Traffic EngineerLocation: St. George, UTJob DescriptionThe successful candidate will have a strong background in traffic engineering and analysis, with experience in performing traffic signal timing plans, conducting data and statistical analyses, and developing recommendations for Maintenance of Traffic...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionAvenue Consultants, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Civil Engineering Specialist to join our Traffic, Research, and Development (TRD) team in St. George, UT. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for performing traffic analysis using various software tools, including Cube, Synchro, Tru-Traffic, VISSIM.Your expertise in data and...

  • IT Systems Engineer

    6 days ago


    George, Western Cape, South Africa Dixie Power Full time

    Job OverviewDixie Power is looking for an experienced IT Systems Engineer to perform a variety of technical duties related to information and communication systems.The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining communication systems and infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.Key Requirements:6 +...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Traffic Operations Engineer to join our team at Avenue Consultants, Inc. As a key member of our Traffic, Research, and Development (TRD) group, you will be responsible for performing traffic analysis using various software tools, including Cube, Synchro, Tru-Traffic, VISSIM.Your expertise in data and statistical...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Geotechnical & Environmental Services, Inc Full time

    Key Responsibilities:Lead project teams to deliver geotechnical engineering or construction testing/inspection projects on time and within budget.Analyze reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs to plan and design projects.Prepare and modify reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, environmental impact studies, and...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Job OverviewAvenue Consultants, Inc. is expanding its Traffic, Research, and Development team in St. George.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform traffic analysis using software tools such as Cube, Synchro, and VISSIM.Conduct data and statistical analyses to inform traffic signal timing plans.Develop recommendations for Maintenance of Traffic requirements during...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa University of Toronto Full time

    Company OverviewThe Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering is a renowned academic unit dedicated to advancing the field of biomedical engineering. As a leader in research and education, we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.We are seeking an exceptional candidate to join our...


  • George, South Africa University of Toronto Full time

    Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream - Biomedical Engineering Date Posted: 12/16/2024 Closing Date: 02/27/2025, 11:59PM ET Req ID: 40794 Job Category: Faculty - Teaching Stream (continuing) Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Department: Institute of Biomedical Engineering Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto) Description: The...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa This Is Engineering Full time

    Working LifeAs a Performance Engineer at This Is Engineering, you will spend time working both trackside and in the factory. On the track, you will be responsible for analyzing data and making adjustments to optimize car performance. In the factory, you will work with our design team to develop new setups and test existing ones.

  • Network Engineer

    2 weeks ago


    George, South Africa Limpopo Personnel Full time

    Required minimum Qualifications & experience Grade 12 coupled with CompTIA N+ and A+ Certifications Fortinet NSE 5 Valid driver's license Proficiency in MS Office Suite Management of Fortinet devices i.e. FortiGate/FortiSwitch and FortiAP Experience with FortinetManager and Fortinet Analyzer will be advantageous Adaptable and comfortable working flexible...

  • Network Engineer

    2 weeks ago


    George, South Africa Limpopo Personnel Full time

    Required minimum Qualifications & experienceGrade 12 coupled with CompTIA N+ and A+ CertificationsFortinet NSE 5Valid driver's license Proficiency in MS Office Suite Management of Fortinet devices i.e. FortiGate/FortiSwitch and FortiAPExperience with FortinetManager and Fortinet Analyzer will be advantageousAdaptable and comfortable working flexible hours...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Job Opportunity: Traffic EngineerAvenue Consultants, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Traffic Engineer to join our Traffic, Research, and Development team in St. George.Key ResponsibilitiesPerforming traffic analysis and developing traffic signal timing plans.Conducting data and statistical analyses to support traffic engineering studies.Developing and...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Avenue Consultants, Inc. Full time

    Traffic Engineer Job SummaryAvenue Consultants, Inc. seeks an experienced Traffic Engineer to join our Traffic, Research, and Development team in St. George.Job DutiesPerforming traffic analysis and developing traffic signal timing plans.Conducting data and statistical analyses to support traffic engineering studies.Developing and implementing traffic...


  • George, Western Cape, South Africa Salon Boss, LLC Full time

    Requirements and QualificationsApplicants must have proficiency in Google Ads Manager, Meta Business Suite or other campaign management platforms, a strong understanding of performance marketing principles and strategies, knowledge of media planning, research, and market analysis, familiarity with media buying processes and negotiation tactics, an analytical...


  • George, South Africa Skills Connector Full time

    ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:CompTIA Network+ (N+) Certification, Fortinet NSE 4 (Fortigate Certified Fundamentals), and Fortinet NSE 3 (Fortigate Certified Associate).Fortinet NSE 5 (Fortigate Certified Professional) and CompTIA A+ Certification are considered advantageous.A valid Drivers License is mandatory.Previous experience in Agriculture would be...


  • George, South Africa Skills Connector Full time

    ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: CompTIA Network+ (N+) Certification, Fortinet NSE 4 (Fortigate Certified Fundamentals), and Fortinet NSE 3 (Fortigate Certified Associate). Fortinet NSE 5 (Fortigate Certified Professional) and CompTIA A+ Certification are considered advantageous. A valid Drivers License is mandatory. Previous experience in Agriculture would be...


  • George, South Africa University of Toronto Full time

    Assistant Professor - AI Materials Discovery Date Posted: 12/19/2024 Closing Date: 02/16/2025, 11:59PM ET Req ID: 40541 Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing) Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Department: Department of Materials Science and Engineering Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto) Description: The Department...


  • George, South Africa Skills Connector Full time

    What will you do? Maintain and support the Group's network infrastructure, including Fortinet products and related services; This role requires a strong understanding of network security demands; Manage complex deployments at the different sites; Must be adaptable and comfortable working flexible hours; Ability to perform under pressure, effectively...