Performance Application Engineer

Overview We are supporting a leading Formula One organisation in the search for a Performance Engineer to join their Customer Engineering division on a long-term contract basis. This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the cutting edge of hybrid power unit performance, collaborating directly with customer teams to deliver measurable gains in performance, reliability, and driveability. You will play a key role in shaping how power unit systems are developed, tested, and optimised in one of the most technically advanced environments in motorsport.

Role Purpose As a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for the calibration, development, simulation, and validation of power unit performance improvements in response to customer team requirements. You will work closely with both internal engineering teams and external customer stakeholders to define, test, and implement solutions that enhance on-track performance while maintaining reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report on performance and characterisation testing
• Develop and validate power unit calibration and control strategies
• Analyse large data sets to identify opportunities for performance optimisation
• Support HIL, DIL, Dyno, and Rig testing activities
• Collaborate with Product Engineering and customer teams to develop simulation and analysis tools
• Deliver improvements across areas such as: Fuel efficiency Energy management Heat rejection Driveability
• Translate test results into actionable engineering solutions for implementation
• Support Lap Simulation, Calibration, and Control activities as required
• Act as a key technical interface with customer teams, ensuring effective communication and delivery

Key Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in performance engineering within motorsport or high-performance automotive environments
• Background in test request authoring and execution (performance and characterisation)
• Strong experience with data analysis and optimisation, ideally using MATLAB or similar tools
• Experience working with test facilities (HIL, DIL, Dyno, Rig)
• Ability to develop or utilise simulation and analytical tools

Desirable:

• Experience with hybrid powertrain systems, ideally in Formula One
• Understanding of power unit and chassis interaction
• Exposure to control system calibration and development

Qualifications Degree (minimum 2:1) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and mathematical capability
• Proactive, organised, and methodical approach
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly
• Collaborative team player with strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Innovative and solutions-driven mindset
• High level of professionalism and awareness of IP sensitivity

Success Measures

• Delivery of power unit calibration, control, and simulation activities
• Effective execution of performance testing programmes
• Development of robust relationships with internal and customer engineering teams
• Continuous improvement of testing methodologies, simulation tools, and analysis capability
• Implementation of measurable performance gains within reliability limits

What Do You Get Work with a front-running Formula One team Contribute directly to race-winning performance improvements Long-term contract offering stability and project continuity Exposure to cutting-edge hybrid power unit technology If you are interested in this application, please click to apply. However if this role is not suitable, but you know someone who could be interested, we offer referral vouchers for a successful referral. If you feel you have the skills to succeed in this role, please click to apply. Arden White specialises in technical engineering recruitment, and all job applications are managed by our team. We believe in the value of a personal touch, and we work hard to deliver a swift, professional, and friendly service for our clients and candidates. We are acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy, and whilst we are advertising the role, we are not the hiring company. Due to the high volume of applications, we’re unable to respond to everyone individually. If you haven’t heard from us within 14 days, unfortunately you’ve not been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, please continue to monitor our website vacancies for more opportunities.