📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer
Company: Cadillac Formula 1® Team
Location: Silverstone, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site
Category: Engineering - Vehicle Performance
Date Posted: 2025-08-08
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Strategic Leadership: Define and manage the vehicle dynamics department's strategic direction, driving short-term and long-term performance initiatives.
Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of vehicle performance engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering teams to enhance vehicle performance and optimize vehicle dynamics.
Performance Optimization: Oversee vehicle performance simulation, analysis, model development, and simulator operations to ensure peak performance.
Continuous Improvement: Implement new simulation and analysis tools, drive efficient reporting processes, and support race event analysis for continuous performance enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong strategic mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of vehicle physics and data analysis to excel in a fast-paced motorsport environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of vehicle performance engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Strategic Planning: Define and manage the strategic direction of the vehicle dynamics department, driving short-term and long-term performance initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering teams to enhance vehicle performance and optimize vehicle dynamics.
Performance Analysis: Oversee vehicle performance simulation, analysis, model development, and simulator operations to ensure peak performance.
Tool Implementation: Implement new simulation and analysis tools to improve data accuracy and speed.
Race Event Support: Support race event analysis and provide feedback for continuous performance improvement.
Reporting & Documentation: Develop efficient reporting and documentation processes for the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a balance of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication skills to effectively lead the vehicle dynamics department and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant experience may substitute for formal education.

Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in motorsport performance engineering or vehicle dynamics is essential. Experience in a leadership role is preferred.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or Simulink for developing simulation models.
Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring engineering teams.
In-depth understanding of vehicle physics and data analysis.
Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to tight deadlines.
Strong communication skills, fostering collaboration across departments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with tire model development and simulator operations.
Knowledge of Formula 1® regulations and racing dynamics.
Familiarity with CAD software and FEA tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in motorsport performance engineering or vehicle dynamics, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in relevant software tools will excel in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your understanding of vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and simulation models through relevant projects.
Showcase your leadership and team management skills through past projects or case studies.
Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive performance improvements.

Technical Documentation:

Provide clear and concise documentation of your projects, including objectives, methodologies, results, and conclusions.
Include any relevant code snippets, data analysis, or visualizations to support your findings.
Ensure your documentation is well-organized, easy to navigate, and highlights your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will demonstrate your technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to drive performance improvements in a motorsport environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (Based on market research for motorsport performance engineering roles in the UK)

Benefits:

Industry-leading pension scheme.
Generous time off, including vacation and sick leave.
Opportunities for career development within a global brand.
A positive and inclusive team culture that values diversity and promotes work-life balance.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with flexible working hours to accommodate race events and project deadlines. Occasional weekend work may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on market research for motorsport performance engineering roles in the UK. Benefits are based on the company's career page and industry standards for motorsport teams.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Motorsport, with a focus on Formula 1® racing.

Company Size: Medium-sized team, with a start-up energy and a commitment to innovation and excellence.

Founded: 2022, as the Cadillac Formula 1® Team.

Team Structure:

Vehicle Dynamics Department: Led by the Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer, responsible for vehicle performance simulation, analysis, and optimization.
Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering teams: Collaborate with the Vehicle Dynamics Department to enhance vehicle performance and optimize vehicle dynamics.

Development Methodology:

Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and performance optimization.
Collaborative environment, with regular team meetings and cross-functional workshops.
Data-driven decision-making, with a strong emphasis on performance analysis and simulation.

Company Website: Cadillac Formula 1® Team

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to innovation, excellence, and collaboration fosters a dynamic and challenging work environment for vehicle performance engineers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Vehicle Performance Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level, with significant responsibility for driving performance improvements and leading a team of engineers. Career progression may include roles such as Chief Vehicle Dynamics Engineer or Technical Director.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer reports directly to the Head of Vehicle Dynamics and works closely with other department heads, such as Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on vehicle performance, race strategy, and overall team success. The Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer's decisions and leadership directly influence the team's ability to compete at the highest level.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in vehicle dynamics, simulation tools, and data analysis techniques.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership and management skills through mentoring, coaching, and team-building activities.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic decisions regarding vehicle architecture, performance optimization, and racing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, technical skill development, and leadership advancement within the motorsport industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone, England, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and performance optimization.

Office Location(s): Silverstone, England, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Open-plan offices and dedicated team spaces, fostering collaboration and communication among engineers.
Specialized Equipment: Access to cutting-edge simulation tools, data analysis software, and high-performance computing resources.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Regular interaction with Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering teams to optimize vehicle performance and racing strategy.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours to accommodate race events, project deadlines, and maintenance windows. Occasional weekend work may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at the Cadillac Formula 1® Team encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on performance optimization and team success.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your understanding of the role, relevant experience, and initial fit with the team.
Technical Assessment: A practical exercise or case study, focusing on your ability to analyze vehicle dynamics data, develop simulation models, and optimize performance.
Behavioral Interview: A discussion of your leadership style, team management experience, and problem-solving skills.
Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your strategic vision for the vehicle dynamics department and your fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your leadership and team management skills through past projects or case studies.
Showcase your ability to analyze vehicle dynamics data and develop simulation models to optimize performance.
Demonstrate your understanding of motorsport regulations, racing dynamics, and performance optimization techniques.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and simulation tools.
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in motorsport technology and racing strategy.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership style, team management experience, and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: Vehicle Dynamics, Performance Engineering, Simulation, Data Analysis, Leadership, Team Management, Motorsport, Formula 1®, Racing Strategy, Optimization, Innovation, Collaboration, Agile, Data-Driven Decision Making, Technical Impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision for the vehicle dynamics department. Preparation should focus on demonstrating your ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Simulation & Analysis Tools:

Python, MATLAB, or Simulink for developing simulation models and analyzing vehicle dynamics data.
CAD software and FEA tools for vehicle design and analysis.
High-performance computing resources for running complex simulations and data analysis.

Data Management & Visualization:

Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for reporting and documentation.
Data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI, for creating insightful and engaging presentations of performance data.

Collaboration & Communication:

Microsoft Teams or Slack for instant messaging and team communication.
Email and video conferencing tools for external communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in relevant simulation, analysis, and collaboration tools is essential for success in this role. Familiarity with motorsport-specific software and data visualization techniques is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Motorsport Values:

Performance: A relentless focus on optimizing vehicle performance and racing strategy.
Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches to stay ahead of the competition.
Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and drive team success.
Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and racing strategy.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Regular interaction with Design, Aero, Strategy, and Race Engineering teams to optimize vehicle performance and racing strategy.
Code Review Culture: Collaborative environment with a focus on knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.
Agile Methodologies: Regular team meetings and workshops to discuss progress, address challenges, and refine performance optimization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Cadillac Formula 1® Team fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on performance optimization, innovation, and excellence in motorsport engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Vehicle Dynamics Optimization: Develop and implement innovative solutions to optimize vehicle dynamics and improve performance in a competitive racing environment.
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze complex vehicle dynamics data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for performance improvement.
Simulation Model Development: Create accurate and efficient simulation models to predict vehicle performance and inform racing strategy.
Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date with Formula 1® regulations and ensure vehicle compliance through continuous performance optimization and design refinement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Advancement: Stay current with the latest advancements in vehicle dynamics, simulation tools, and data analysis techniques through training, workshops, and industry events.
Conference Attendance & Certification: Attend relevant motorsport conferences, workshops, and certification programs to expand your knowledge and network within the industry.
Technical Mentorship: Seek guidance and support from experienced motorsport engineers to develop your technical skills and advance your career.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for vehicle performance engineers looking to advance their careers in the motorsport industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Vehicle Dynamics Fundamentals: Demonstrate your understanding of vehicle dynamics principles, including aerodynamics, suspension, tires, and powertrain optimization.
Performance Optimization Strategies: Discuss your approach to optimizing vehicle performance in a competitive racing environment, considering factors such as cornering speed, straight-line speed, and energy management.
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Explain your methodology for analyzing vehicle dynamics data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to improve performance.

Company & Culture Questions:

Motorsport Regulations: Demonstrate your understanding of Formula 1® regulations and their impact on vehicle design, performance optimization, and racing strategy.
Team Dynamics: Discuss your approach to leading and managing a team of vehicle performance engineers, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
Agile Methodologies: Explain your experience with Agile methodologies and how you apply them to optimize vehicle performance and racing strategy.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your portfolio, showcasing your technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to drive performance improvements in a motorsport environment.
Code Walkthrough: Be ready to explain your code, simulation models, and data analysis techniques, highlighting your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
User Experience & Performance Optimization: Demonstrate your understanding of user experience (in this context, driver experience) and its impact on vehicle dynamics, performance optimization, and racing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for the interview process should focus on demonstrating your technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision for the vehicle dynamics department. Familiarize yourself with the company's culture, values, and motorsport-specific challenges to make a strong impression and showcase your fit within the organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer position:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Cadillac Formula 1® Team careers page and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to highlight your leadership and team management skills, as well as your technical expertise in vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and simulation.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in motorsport performance engineering or vehicle dynamics. Include any relevant keywords to improve search visibility.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and simulation tools. Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in motorsport technology and racing strategy.
Research the Company: Learn about the Cadillac Formula 1® Team's history, mission, and values. Understand their approach to motorsport engineering, performance optimization, and racing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring your application, portfolio, and resume to the specific requirements of this role will increase your chances of success in the application process. Thorough preparation and research will demonstrate your commitment to the Cadillac Formula 1® Team and your fit within the organization.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Role-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to motorsport performance engineering and vehicle dynamics roles.
Include motorsport-specific terminology, regulations, and racing dynamics principles.
Emphasize leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Address the unique challenges and growth opportunities presented by a motorsport engineering environment.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about motorsport-specific challenges, team dynamics, or company culture.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute motorsport-specific keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and motorsport-specific specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific motorsport technologies, regulations, and racing dynamics relevant to the role.
Address motorsport-specific career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities.
Provide tactical advice for portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies tailored to motorsport engineering.
Include motorsport-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize performance optimization, racing strategy, and user experience (driver experience) principles.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use motorsport-specific terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to motorsport engineering professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give motorsport performance engineers a competitive advantage.
Focus on motorsport-specific team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and performance optimization strategies.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize vehicle dynamics, performance analysis, and simulation model development skills.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to motorsport performance engineering and vehicle dynamics roles.
Address motorsport-specific challenges, such as regulatory compliance, racing strategy, and performance optimization.
Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable racing strategy.
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for motorsport projects.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to motorsport performance engineering or vehicle dynamics roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-motorsport-specific terminology unless relevant to the specific role or company context.
Marketing language unrelated to motorsport performance engineering, vehicle dynamics, or racing strategy.

Generate comprehensive, motorsport-specific content that serves as a valuable resource for performance engineers seeking their next opportunity in the motorsport industry.

Lead Vehicle Performance Engineer